Riyad Mahrez produced a captain’s performance with a sensational brace as Algeria secured their place in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a thrilling 3-3 draw against Austria in their final Group J fixture at Kansas City Stadium.

The Desert Foxes looked destined to claim a dramatic victory after Mahrez struck in stoppage time to complete his brace, only for Austria substitute Saša Kalajdžić to equalise with virtually the last kick of the match. While Algeria were denied all three points, the result was enough to send both nations into the knockout stages.

Algeria’s qualification means they become the ninth African nation to reach the Round of 32, capping an unprecedented group-stage campaign for CAF. Only Tunisia failed to progress, underlining the continent’s growing strength on football’s biggest stage.

The encounter began at a measured pace, with both teams aware that qualification was within reach. Algeria enjoyed more possession in the opening exchanges, but Austria remained dangerous on the counterattack. Their breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute when Marko Arnautović timed his run perfectly before finishing clinically past the advancing goalkeeper to give the Europeans a crucial lead.

The Desert Foxes refused to panic and gradually took control of the contest. Their persistence was rewarded just before halftime when Mahrez fought tirelessly to win possession inside the Austrian box before laying the ball into the path of Rafik Belghali. The defender still had plenty to do, weaving past three defenders before smashing an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net to restore parity heading into the break.

Austria regained the lead 10 minutes into the second half through Marcel Sabitzer, whose composed finish capped a flowing attacking move. Once again, however, Algeria found a response through their inspirational captain. Mahrez arrived perfectly to meet a cross from the left and fired a powerful finish beyond the goalkeeper to level the score at 2-2 in the 60th minute.

With qualification hanging in the balance, Algeria piled on the pressure in the closing stages. Their persistence appeared to pay off in the third minute of stoppage time when Mahrez completed his brace, calmly finishing another slick team move to spark jubilant celebrations among the Algerian supporters, who believed the Desert Foxes had snatched victory and second place in the group.

Football, however, had one final twist. Deep into added time, Austria launched one last attack, and substitute Saša Kalajdžić rose to score a dramatic equaliser, silencing the Algerian celebrations but ensuring both sides advanced to the Round of 32.

Despite conceding so late, Algeria will take immense confidence from another resilient display led by the evergreen Mahrez. His two goals and overall influence proved decisive as the Desert Foxes extended Africa’s remarkable World Cup journey. With 9 CAF representatives now through to the Round of 32, the continent has achieved a historic milestone on the global stage.

Algeria now turn their attention to the knockout rounds, where they will face Switzerland, hoping to carry their momentum into the last 32 and continue CAF’s historic campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.