Late Drama Sees Algeria and Austria Through in Six-Goal Thriller; Messi Breaks World Cup Record
A dramatic 3-3 draw between Algeria and Austria ensured both teams advanced to the Round of 32, while Lionel Messi made history with Argentina's victory.
The story
The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage concluded with a breathtaking 3-3 draw between Algeria and Austria at Kansas City Stadium, a result that saw both nations qualify for the knockout rounds and eliminated Iran. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Austria taking the lead twice through Marko Arnautovic (28') and Marcel Sabitzer (54'). Algeria responded with goals from Rafik Belghali (45') and Riyad Mahrez (60'). The true drama unfolded in stoppage time when Mahrez appeared to secure a 3-2 victory for Algeria in the 94th minute. However, Austria's Sasa Kalajdzic stunned everyone by finding an equalizer in the 95th minute, sealing a point that sent both teams through to the Round of 32.
Elsewhere, Argentina secured a 3-1 victory over Jordan in Dallas, with Lionel Messi coming off the bench to score from a free-kick in the 80th minute, extending his record to scoring in seven consecutive World Cup games.
Yesterday's results
Croatia vs Ghana
Score: 2-1
Key: Nikola Vlašić's 83rd-minute header secured second place in Group L for Croatia.
Panama vs England
Score: 0-2
Key: Second-half goals from Jude Bellingham (62') and Harry Kane (67') ensured England topped Group L.
Colombia vs Portugal
Score: 0-0
Key: A tactical goalless draw in Miami saw Colombia top Group K and Portugal finish as runners-up.
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan
Score: 3-1
Key: Yoane Wissa scored twice as DR Congo came from behind to secure a historic first World Cup knockout stage appearance.
Algeria vs Austria
Score: 3-3
Key: A late Sasa Kalajdzic equalizer in the 95th minute sealed qualification for both teams in a thrilling contest.
Jordan vs Argentina
Score: 1-3
Key: Lionel Messi scored his record-breaking 19th World Cup goal as Argentina topped Group J.
Where it stands
The group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 has officially concluded, with Groups J, K, and L wrapping up. In Group L, England secured the top spot with 7 points, followed by Croatia in second with 6 points. Ghana, despite finishing third with 4 points, advanced to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, while Panama (0 points) was eliminated.
Group K saw Colombia finish first with 7 points after their draw with Portugal, who took second place with 5 points. DR Congo's historic 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan earned them 4 points and a spot in the knockouts as a third-placed team, eliminating Uzbekistan (0 points).
In Group J, Argentina maintained a perfect record, finishing first with 9 points. Austria claimed second place with 4 points and a 0 goal difference, while Algeria also advanced as a third-placed team with 4 points but a -2 goal difference, eliminating Jordan (0 points) and Iran.
What we'll be watching
- South Africa vs Canada (Round of 32) — June 28, Los Angeles Stadium
- Brazil vs Japan (Round of 32) — June 29, Houston Stadium
- Germany vs Paraguay (Round of 32) — June 29, Boston Stadium
- Netherlands vs Morocco (Round of 32) — June 29, Estadio Monterrey
- England vs DR Congo (Round of 32) — July 1, Atlanta Stadium
- Portugal vs Croatia (Round of 32) — July 2, Toronto Stadium
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