Austria and Algeria with dramatic qualification, Messi scores again

FootballSports
28 Jun 2026 • 2:21 PM MYT
DPA International
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Image from: Austria and Algeria with dramatic qualification, Messi scores again
Austria's Marko Arnautovic celebrates after scoring his side's first goal of the game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match between Algeria and Austria at Kansas City Stadium. Georg Hochmuth/APA/dpa

Substitute Sasa Kalajdžić scored a dramatic last-gasp goal just one minute after coming on to keep Austria alive in the World Cup with a 3-3 draw with Algeria on Saturday.

Both nations advanced to the knock-out stage, but in a very dramatic fashion.

The game was tied 2-2 until the third minute of stoppage-time, when Riyad Mahrez completed his brace and thought that would seal a comeback win for Algeria.

The result would qualify the Algerians to next round, but eliminate Austria.

The Europeans, however, operated a miracle. Kalajdžić came on in the fifth minute of stoppage-time and just one minute later, he found the target to rescue the Austrian team.

"I don't have words right now, to be completely honest. I don't think I've ever experienced anything like this before," Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said.

"Down 3–2, the game was basically over. But we actually managed to get back into it. We're just happy right now."

Austria are into the knock-outs as Group J runners-up and will face European champions Spain on Thursday. Algeria advanced as one of the eight best third-placed teams and will take on Switzerland on the same day.

The draw between Algeria and Austria means Iran will not qualify for the last 32.

Title holders Argentina had already qualified as Group J winners and could start with Lionel Messi on the bench, but they still closed the group stage with a 3-1 win against Jordan.

In the round of 32, they will face underdogs Cape Verde on Friday.

Argentina led 2-0 by the 31st minute thanks to goals from Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez's spot-kick.

Mousa al-Tamari pulled one back from Jordan, but their comeback hopes were frustrated when Messi came on in the 60th.

He scored in the 80th from a free-kick to become the first man to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. Messi also extended his own overall scoring record to 19.

Chaos in Kansas City

Austria took the lead in the 28th minute through their all-time top scorer Marko Arnautovic, who slid the ball underneath the advancing goalkeeper. The veteran nearly doubled his tally a few seconds later, but sent the ball wide.

Algeria got close to the equalizer in the 40th as Fares Chaibi hit the post, but were on target just five minutes later.

Mahrez fought to keep the ball in play down the touchline but was fouled. The game went on as Rafik Belghali collected the ball. He was initially blocked but recovered the rebound to skilfully beat three defenders and smash it home.

Marcel Sabitizer received a pass from Konrad Laimer on the edge of the box and fired it into the net to put Austria ahead again in the 55th, but Mahrez scored his first World Cup goal just five minutes later to level once more.

The result was enough to qualify both nations but things took a dramatic turn.

Algeria were just passing the ball around at the back and Austria weren't pressing them too much. Out of nowhere, Mahrez was sent through on goal and he slid in what was about to be a very late winner.

Austria threw everything they got and made one final substitution, with Kalajdzic coming on for Phillipp Mwene.

The move paid off: a cross was headed back across goal and the Wolves striker nodded in the equalizer to save the Austrians.

"I don't even know what to say. It was a real roller coaster. We took the lead twice, you have to finish the job when you're up. At times, it was reckless," Sabitzer said.

"We gave up goals way too easily, but today we're just going to celebrate. We had all of Austria holding its breath, but now they can all go back to enjoying their drinks."

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