Algeria vs Austria | FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group Stage | Preview and Predictions

African side Algeria will face tough European opponents in Austria in their final group stage game on 28th June at the Kansas City Stadium in the USA. 

For the game, here we present our preview and prediction.

FIFA WC26 | Group J: ALG vs AUT| 07:30 IST, June 28, 2026

Both Austria and Algeria will bid for a place in the knockouts with a win in this game as both teams have won one and lost one in their last two group stage games. Although both teams beat Jordan and lost to Argentina, Austria has a superior goal difference. 

Algeria recovered from a goal down in the first half to beat Jordan 2-1. Nizar Al Rashdan opened the scoring for Jordan in the 36th minute and the Jordanians held on to the lead until the 70th minute but conceded an equaliser to Nadhir Benbouali courtesy of a Riyadh Mahrez assist. Algeria had upped the ante in the second half significantly and reaped the reward with an 82nd minute winner with Amine Gouiri poking home from close-range from a set-piece situation. Jordan was unable to find a riposte as they lost their second consecutive match, getting knocked out of the tournament in their debut World Cup campaign. 

As for Austria, they started their World Cup campaign with an emphatic 3-1 win over Jordan but lost to the defending champions. Austria lost 2-0 to Argentina, thanks to Lionel Messi who scored a brace to help Argentina ensure qualification for the Round of 32. Argentina dominated the affair with 54% possession, expected goals (xG) of 2.54, total 12 shots and three big chances. This is a massive chance for the Austrians to beat Algeria and go through to the Round of 32 but in case they end up drawing the game, Austria could still go through on goal difference ahead of Algeria. 

On the injury front, Algeria has one player unavailable with Mohamed Amoura out with a hamstring injury while Austria has a fully fit squad. 

Austria came into this World Cup on the back of incredible form, having won their last three games while Algeria too beat Netherlands and Bolivia en route to the World Cup. Form-wise, both teams have had decent outings. If we look at the quality of the two teams, Austria has a slight edge. Ralf Ragnick is a shrewd tactician and he would set them up to ensure they get a positive result but Austria will have to make sure they are focused and locked-in for the entire game. We believe this game will end in an entertaining draw. 

Score Prediction: Algeria 2-2 Austria 

Venue: Kansas City Stadium, Kansas, USA