Algeria v Austria · OurXI

★ The storyline

Algeria are held by Austria

A point, not three. Algeria drew 3–3 with Austria in the group stage — not a disaster, but the kind of afternoon that makes the final round of matches feel a little tighter.

Why it matters

Group stage, Group J — points on the line.

Who to watch

Talisman

Riyad Mahrez

Algeria

The creative heartbeat whose magic could decide whether Algeria's promise turns into something real.

Talisman

Konrad Laimer

Austria

The relentless engine at the heart of Rangnick's pressing machine — wherever the work needs doing, he's already there.

Developing

Algeria are through to the last 32

Algeria have squeezed through as one of the best third-placed sides. Not the comfortable route — but a place in the last 32 is a place in the last 32, and the knockouts don't care how you got there.

Developing

Austria are through to the last 32

Austria are into the last 32. Job done in the group, and now the tournament really begins — one-and-done from here, every match a final.

Developing

Swiss Precision Meets Desert Fire in Round of 32

Switzerland arrives at the knockout stage riding a composed qualifying campaign, their clinical finishing and defensive discipline on full display. Algeria, buoyed by Riyad Mahrez's tournament spark, bring attacking intent and momentum into this first-time World Cup meeting. The fixture pits Switzerland's measured, possession-based rhythm against Algeria's unpredictable intensity—a classic clash of methodical North African flair. Everything hinges on who controls the midfield and whether Switzerland's experience can weather Algeria's early onslaught.

Source: FOX Sports

Developing

Algeria bow out

And there it ends. Algeria fall to Switzerland 2–0 in the round of 32, and a summer of following them is over. It stings now — but what a ride it was, and there's no shame in going out swinging.