Austria and Algeria face World Cup clash amid Gijón scandal fears

On Sunday, Austria and Algeria will meet in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City. The match has drawn attention because a draw would be sufficient for both sides to advance, echoing the 1982 "Shame of Gijón" when West Germany and Austria played a collusive game that eliminated Algeria. Austrian defender Stefan Posch said his team will "play to win" and will not aim for a draw, while Algerian officials recall the bitterness of the 1982 incident, describing it as a lasting scar. The tournament features 48 teams, with the eight best third‑placed sides also progressing, so the outcome of the Austria‑Algeria game could determine the opponents each will face in the next round.