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Casablanca – Algeria and Austria face off on Saturday at Kansas City Stadium in a decisive Group J clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With Argentina already confirmed as group winners, the match will directly determine which side secures automatic qualification to the Round of 32.
Austria enters the fixture with three points and a superior goal difference after defeating Jordan 3-1 before falling 2-0 to Argentina. Algeria, meanwhile, recovered from their opening defeat to the reigning champions by beating Jordan 2-1 to keep their knockout hopes alive heading into the final matchday.
Match details:
Fixture: Algeria vs Austria
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group J, Matchday 3
Venue: Kansas City Stadium
Date: Saturday, June 27
Kick-off: 10:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 a.m. GMT (on Sunday, June 28)
How to watch: beIN Sports in MENA; FOX Sports in the USA
Algeria team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Algeria could be without forward Mohamed Amoura, who remains doubtful with a hamstring injury suffered earlier in the tournament. No suspensions have been reported for Vladimir Petkovic’s side.
Recent Form: Algeria responded well after a heavy 3-0 defeat to Argentina, coming from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 thanks to goals from Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri. The result kept qualification in Algeria’s hands heading into the final group-stage match.
Key Players: Riyad Mahrez is expected to play a central role once again after starting against Jordan. Amine Gouiri has also looked increasingly influential in attack.
Likely XI: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Bentaleb; Hadj Moussa, Maza, Chaibi; Gouiri.
Austria team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Austria has a fully fit squad available and enters the match without any major injury concerns or suspensions.
Recent Form: Ralf Rangnick’s side opened the tournament with an impressive 3-1 victory over Jordan before suffering a controlled 2-0 defeat to Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Austria’s superior goal difference means a draw would likely be enough to secure qualification.
Key Players: Marcel Sabitzer remains Austria’s creative leader after making his 100th international appearance against Argentina. Konrad Laimer and David Alaba continue to provide experience and balance, while Romano Schmid has impressed with his movement and energy in midfield.
Likely XI: Schlager; Posch, Danso, Alaba, Laimer; Seiwald, Schlager; Schmid, Wanner, Sabitzer; Gregoritsch.
What to Expect
Algeria are expected to approach the match aggressively knowing that victory guarantees qualification. Petkovic’s side will likely rely on transitions, wide play, and Mahrez’s creativity to break through Austria’s organized defensive structure.
Austria, meanwhile, may adopt a more controlled approach given their advantage in goal difference. Rangnick’s side remains dangerous in pressing situations and quick transitions, particularly through Sabitzer and Schmid.
Prediction: Algeria 1-1 Austria.
