Austria and Algeria battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw in Kansas City on Saturday, ensuring both teams advanced to the World Cup round of 32. The match was decided in the sixth minute of added time when Sasa Kalajdzic scored a last-gasp equaliser, saving the European side from elimination.
The result was a win-win for the two teams but came at the expense of Iran. Team Melli crashed out of the 2026 World Cup as the draw left them outside the tournament's eight best third-placed teams, ending their hopes of reaching the knockout phase for the first time.
The round of 32 begins on June 28 with South Africa facing Canada in Los Angeles. On June 29, Brazil plays Japan in Houston, Germany faces Paraguay in Boston, and the Netherlands take on Morocco in Estadio Monterrey. June 30 fixtures include Ivory Coast against Norway in Dallas, France against Sweden in New York New Jersey, and Mexico against Ecuador in Mexico City.
On July 1, England meets DR Congo in Atlanta, Belgium faces Senegal in Seattle, and the U.S. plays Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco Bay Area. The schedule continues on July 2 with Spain against Austria in Los Angeles, Portugal against Croatia in Toronto, and Switzerland against Algeria in BC Place Vancouver. The final matches take place on July 3, featuring Australia versus Egypt in Dallas, Argentina versus Cape Verde in Miami, and Columbia versus Ghana in Kansas City.