Algeria 3–3 Austria | World Cup Group Stage | 28 June 2026

Result Summary

A breathtaking six-goal thriller at the 2026 World Cup ended all square, as Algeria and Austria served up one of the tournament's most dramatic contests. Riyad Mahrez's brace, including a stunning 90+3' equaliser, looked to have secured the points for the Fennec Foxes — only for substitute Sasa Kalajdzic to head home in the sixth minute of stoppage time and snatch a 3–3 draw that will be talked about long after the final whistle.

Match Analysis

Algeria controlled this match in almost every measurable way. Vladimir Petković's side enjoyed 65% ball possession, completed passes at a 94% success rate, and generated 139 attacks compared to Austria's 81. With 12 total shots to Austria's 10, and five on target to Austria's three, the statistical picture overwhelmingly favours Algeria as the dominant team — yet the scoreline tells a story of ruthless Austrian efficiency in the moments that mattered.

Austria, under Ralf Rangnick, struck first. Marko Arnautović, despite picking up a yellow card as early as the 11th minute for a foul, showed his quality when he converted a David Alaba assist in the 28th minute with a composed right-foot finish. Algeria responded before half-time, with Rafik Belghali levelling at 45' after a clever Riyad Mahrez assist opened the door.

The second half continued the pattern of punch and counter-punch. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's lead on 55 minutes, finishing a Konrad Laimer assist to make it 2–1. Algeria barely had time to absorb the blow before Mahrez himself equalised on 60 minutes, converting a second Houssem Aouar assist with his left foot. Rangnick had made three tactical substitutions at half-time — bringing on Michael Gregoritsch, Florian Grillitsch, and Paul Wanner — and a further change saw Kevin Danso replace Alaba on 62 minutes.

The match appeared to be heading toward a Algerian victory as Mahrez struck again in 90+3', this time with his right foot off another Aouar assist, only for the assist-providing Aouar to be substituted moments later. Then, in an astonishing denouement, fresh substitute Kalajdzic — on the pitch for barely a minute — headed home a Gregoritsch cross in 90+6' to complete one of the night's most stunning equalising acts.

Prediction Review

Our pre-match forecast called for a 1–1 draw, with a 30% probability assigned to that outcome and only 51/100 confidence — reflecting genuine uncertainty across both sides. While the scoreline differed dramatically from the predicted 1–1, the draw outcome was correctly forecast, validating the model's read of two evenly matched sides despite Algeria's statistical superiority suggesting they might edge it. The low confidence rating proved prescient: this was precisely the kind of high-variance match where either team could have claimed all three points.

Key Takeaways

• Riyad Mahrez was the match's standout performer with two goals and an assist, demonstrating why he remains Algeria's most dangerous creative force.
• Houssem Aouar delivered two decisive assists before making way late — his withdrawal may have cost Algeria a winning platform in the closing seconds.
• Austria's resilience was remarkable; outpossessed, outshot, and outattacked, they still managed three goals through clinical finishing and set-piece threat.
• Kalajdzic's 90+6' header underlined the value of impactful substitutes — Rangnick's late gamble paid off spectacularly.
• Both sides will feel they left something on the pitch, with this point potentially crucial come the final group standings.