Overview
- The Kansas City game ended 3–3 after dramatic late goals, with Riyad Mahrez putting Algeria ahead in the 90+3 minute and Sasa Kalajdzic levelling for Austria in the 90+5/6 minute to ensure both teams progressed.
- Earlier in the match Marko Arnautovic opened the scoring in the 28th minute and Marcel Sabitzer made it 2–1 in the 55th, while Rafik Belghali equalised before halftime and Mahrez levelled again in the 60th.
- The draw left Austria second in Group J and set a Round of 16 tie with Spain, while Algeria advanced as one of the best third‑placed teams and will face Switzerland; Iran was eliminated as a result.
- The finish ended fears of a repeat of the 1982 Gijón episode because both sides kept attacking, but the unique 48‑team format and best‑third rules mean group arithmetic still creates scenarios where a draw can be mutually beneficial.
- About 69,045 fans watched in Kansas City, the game produced widespread media reaction across Europe and North Africa, and the upcoming knockouts now put Austria against a title contender and Algeria against a strong Swiss side.