Austria and Algeria advance to World Cup knockout stage after dramatic 3-3 draw

Lionel Messi scored the decisive goal that gave Argentina a victory in their World Cup group match, securing the team's progress in the tournament. In the same round of games, Austria and Algeria produced a thrilling 3‑3 draw that ensured both sides moved on to the knockout stage. Austria finished second in Group J and will meet Spain, while Algeria qualified as one of the best third‑placed teams and will face Switzerland. The match featured a late comeback by Algeria's Riyad Mahrez, who put the visitors ahead in the 93rd minute, only for Austrian substitute Sasa Kalajdzic to head an equaliser in the sixth minute of added time. The result also eliminated Iran, which had drawn all its group games.

The outcomes highlight the tournament's heightened drama, with Argentina's win underlining Messi's continued impact and the Austria‑Algeria clash becoming the first World Cup match where a team avoided defeat after falling behind in stoppage time.