Austria and Algeria draw 3-3 to reach World Cup 2026 knockout stage, eliminating Iran

Austria and Algeria played a dramatic 3‑3 draw in their final Group J match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 28 June. Austria took the lead twice through Marko Arnautović and Marcel Sabitzer, while Algeria equalised each time via Rafik Belghali and Riyad Mahrez. Mahrez put Algeria ahead 3‑2 in injury time, but Sasa Kalajdžić headed a late equaliser for Austria to finish the game at 3‑3. The result allowed both teams to advance as the group’s runner‑up and winner, respectively, and knocked Iran out of the tournament.

The outcome reignited accusations of a pre‑arranged result, with some Iranian supporters likening the match to the infamous 1982 "Aib Gijón" (the "Disgrace of Gijón") when West Germany and Austria were alleged to have colluded to eliminate Algeria. No formal investigation has been announced, but the controversy underscores the high stakes of World Cup qualification matches.