Algeria vs Austria World Cup 2026 preview

Algeria and Austria meet on 27 June 2026 at 22:00 EST in a straight shootout for a guaranteed round-of-32 berth in Group J, with Argentina already having sealed top spot. Algeria recovered to beat Jordan 2-1 thanks to second-half goals from Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri, keeping their knockout hopes alive after a 3-0 loss to Argentina.

Riyad Mahrez returned to the starting lineup against Jordan after being on the bench for the Argentina game and is expected to keep his place for this crunch clash. Austria fell 2-0 to Argentina on Matchday 2, with Lionel Messi scoring twice, but they opened the group by beating Jordan 3-1 and still control their qualification fate.

Their superior goal difference means a draw would be enough to send them through, and Marcel Sabitzer, who made his 100th Austria appearance against Argentina, will be a pivotal figure if they are to progress. Managers Vladimir Petković and Ralf Rangnick have not reported injuries or suspensions ahead of the match.

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