Austrian striker Sasa Kalajdzic scores late equaliser against Algeria at World Cup 2026

In the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Austria drew 3‑3 with Algeria after Sasa Kalajdzic netted a stoppage‑time goal in the 90+5 minute. The tall forward, who had previously suffered three ACL injuries, turned a potential defeat into a point for the Austrian side and was hailed as a hero.

Kalajdzic said the moment meant “bringing joy to many people” and highlighted the support of his wife Lorena, noting he felt “grateful for every congratulations”. He reflected on his recovery from serious injuries and the fact that his loan at LASK has ended while his contract with Premier‑League club Wolverhampton Wanderers still has a year left.

Looking ahead, Austria faces Spain in the round of 16. Kalajdzic described the upcoming challenge as a chance to continue “writing our fairy‑tale” and urged his teammates to turn the emotion of the Algeria match into strength against the Spanish side.