Image: from CBS Sports Golazo X @CBSSportsGolazo
By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
Austria booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 in dramatic fashion after Sasa Kalajdžić scored a stoppage-time equaliser in a thrilling 3,3 draw with Algeria, a result that also sent the North African side through while eliminating Iran from the tournament.
The decisive Group J encounter in Kansas City produced six goals and a dramatic finish, with Austria rescuing qualification in the sixth minute of added time.
Austria opened the scoring in the 28th minute through veteran striker Marko Arnautović, who gave the Europeans an early advantage before Algeria responded just before halftime. Rafik Belghali equalised in the 45th minute, ensuring the teams went into the break level.
The second half continued at a frantic pace. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria’s lead in the 55th minute, only for Riyad Mahrez to level the match once again five minutes later with a composed finish.
As the match entered stoppage time, Mahrez appeared to have completed a stunning comeback by scoring his second goal in the 93rd minute, putting Algeria ahead 3,2 and seemingly sending Austria out of the competition.
However, the drama was not over.
With virtually the final kick of the match, Sasa Kalajdžić found the equaliser in the 96th minute, sparking celebrations among the Austrian players and supporters as the goal secured second place in Group J.
Austria finished the group stage with four points to claim the runners-up position, while Algeria also ended with four points and advanced as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.
The result proved heartbreaking for Iran, whose hopes of progressing depended on Austria failing to avoid defeat. Kalajdžić’s dramatic late goal instead confirmed Iran’s elimination from the World Cup.
Both Austria and Algeria now look ahead to the Round of 32 after surviving one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament so far.