Austria and Algeria draw 3‑3 to clinch World Cup knockout berths

In the final Group J match of the men’s FIFA World Cup, Austria and Algeria played to a dramatic 3‑3 draw after extra time, securing both teams’ places in the knockout stage. Austria took the lead through Marko Arnautović, but Rafik Belhajla equalised for Algeria before half‑time. Marco Sabitzer restored Austria’s advantage in the second period, only for Riyad Mahrez to level for Algeria shortly after.

The deadlock was broken in the third minute of added time when Mahrez scored again, and substitute Saša Kalajdžić netted the final goal for Austria, ending the game at 3‑3. The result leaves Austria second in the group and Algeria third, while Iran finishes last and is eliminated. According to the tournament bracket, the winner of the Austria‑Algeria match will meet Spain in the round of‑16.

Other group outcomes included Argentina’s early qualification, England’s win over Panama, and Croatia’s victory over Ghana. The knockout schedule now features South Africa vs Canada, Brazil vs Japan, and several other fixtures slated for the coming days.