Los Angeles, Jun 28 (V7N) – Austria scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to earn a thrilling 3-3 draw against Algeria in their final Group-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, a result that sent both nations into the Round of 32 while ending Iran's hopes of advancing.
The six-goal thriller produced one of the tournament's most dramatic finishes, with Austria rescuing a point from the final attack of the match.
Algeria, needing a positive result to keep their knockout hopes alive, recovered impressively after trailing in the first half and produced a spirited second-half comeback.
The Desert Foxes drew level at 2-2 through captain Riyad Mahrez after a superb attacking move orchestrated by Houssem Aouar. Cutting inside from the left flank, Aouar beat Austrian defender Stefan Posch before delivering a perfectly weighted cross into the penalty area.
The ball evaded the Austrian defence and reached Mahrez at the far post, where the Algerian captain calmly finished to score his 39th international goal and bring his side back into the contest.
Algeria later took a 3-2 lead and appeared destined to claim all three points as the match entered its closing moments.
However, Austria launched one final attack deep into stoppage time and found the equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game, sealing a dramatic 3-3 draw.
The result left both Austria and Algeria on four points, enough for the two sides to qualify for the Round of 32 from the group.
The dramatic outcome also brought heartbreak for Iran, whose hopes of progressing to the knockout stage officially came to an end following the draw.
END/SMA/AJ
