Austria and Algeria both progressed to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup on Saturday after one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, a pulsating 3-3 draw that eliminated Iran from Group J and sent celebrations into the streets of Algiers.

The match exploded in its final moments. Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez appeared to have stolen victory for his side by putting them 3-2 ahead in the 93rd minute of stoppage time, only for Austrian substitute Sasa Kalajdzic to equalise with virtually the last touch of the game. The result was enough for Algeria to advance as one of the best third-placed sides and for Austria to qualify as group runners-up.

The extraordinary finish immediately prompted questions about whether the two sides had played for a mutually beneficial draw, given that a draw was sufficient for both to advance before kick-off. Austrian coach Ralf Rangnick — the experienced 67-year-old German who has managed clubs across Europe — dismissed the suggestion firmly. "In this match, when you have a 3-3, nobody can assume that it was an agreement, and especially what we saw during the last 90 seconds," he said. He added that players on both sides had visibly pushed for a winner throughout the closing stages. "All who watched the game during the last 15 minutes must know there is no hint that the players absolutely wanted to have a draw." He described the match's trajectory with characteristic bluntness: "If Alfred Hitchcock had written such a drama, I probably would have said he was completely mad."

For Austria, the result marks a historic milestone: their first World Cup knockout-stage appearance in 44 years. They now face European champions Spain in the round of 32 on 2 July in California. For Algeria, known as the Fennecs, supporters poured into the streets of the capital Algiers to celebrate, with fans already looking ahead to their next match against Switzerland. Iran, meanwhile, were knocked out of the tournament.

The match was part of a record-breaking group stage across the 2026 World Cup, which produced 215 goals in 72 games. Elsewhere on Saturday, the Democratic Republic of Congo qualified for the knockout stage for the first time in their history with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, while England topped Group L after defeating Panama 2-0. With all round-of-32 fixtures now confirmed, the first knockout game will see host nation Canada face South Africa in Los Angeles.