Austria ended Group J with four points, which is good for ending as the second seed in the group below Argentina, who ended first with a perfect 9/9 points. The results also state Austria end as third, with a total of four points as well.

The result means that three teams from Group J will feature in the Round of 32. After all, Algeria did enough to be considered one of the best eight third places in the 2026 World Cup group stage.

Who will Austria face in the Round of 32?

By placing second on Group J, Austria will have a tough draw and face Spain in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. The game will be played on July 2 in Los Angeles. For a team that hasn’t been precisely dominant like Austria, facing a contender it’s just a bad-dealt hand.

Austria is still a tough team, though. Spain won’t have it easy, but it’s clear it will come as the sizable underdog for the game. Austria should see a silver lining in the fact that Spain lost Nico Williams for this game, and haven’t looked as a world-beater in this tournament.

Who will Algeria face in the Round of 32?

Algeria will face Switzerland on July 3 at BC Place, Vancouver, Canada. This is a weird case where ending third gave a more “favorable” matchup than ending second. Now, it’s up to Algeria to produce the goods.

Group J final standings

As of June 27, Austria is the 22nd-ranked national team in the world. That puts them six spots ahead of Algeria, which enters this game at No. 29 after dropping one spot in the latest ranking update.

While the FIFA rankings are a solid benchmark for evaluating the 48 national teams competing in the 2026 World Cup, underdogs can always pull off an upset. Take Cape Verde, for example, despite its low ranking, the team managed to defy the odds and qualify for the knockout stage.

What do Austria and Algeria need to do to climb the rankings?

If Austria and Algeria want to move up in the FIFA rankings, they simply need to win more games. Securing strong results, such as advancing past the group stage, racking up draws, and avoiding losses, is the most direct way to stack up ranking points.

While the formula FIFA uses to calculate these rankings is fairly complicated, it essentially boils down to this: teams need to win tournaments, lift trophies, and consistently perform well in FIFA-sanctioned competitions.

The worst rankings for Austria and Algeria

The last time Algeria hit rock bottom in the FIFA rankings was in 2008, when they plummeted to their worst-ever spot at No. 103. Austria fared even worse that same year, dropping to No. 105 during what was a rough stretch for both programs.

Algeria’s goal is the same as Austria’s: secure a win to solidify its path to the knockout stage. With both teams desperate for a single victory, this match could prove challenging for referee Ilgiz Tantashev, who lacks extensive World Cup experience.

It’s no coincidence that Kansas City Stadium is hosting another gritty matchup. That’s exactly why this venue was chosen. It will host not only group stage games but also knockout stage matches, which could cause ticket prices to skyrocket on the resale market.

City and stadium

Kansas City, a vibrant sports hub with a city population of over 523,000 residents, is welcoming soccer fans with an incredible atmosphere. The famous local venue, well known for its energetic NFL usage as the home of the Chiefs, has transitioned beautifully into a world-class soccer stage.

The iconic stadium boasts a massive tournament capacity of 69,045 seats to handle the immense global demand. In total, the venue will have 6 games, including 2 highly anticipated group stage fixtures and 4 high-stakes matches for the knockout stage.

Attendance and weather

Local organizers and FIFA officials expect a near-sellout crowd tonight, as World Cup matches in Kansas City are on pace to completely pack the venue. Kansas City Stadium has an official tournament capacity of 69,045 seats, and recent fixtures at the stadium, including Argentina vs. Algeria, have drawn maximum capacity crowds.

For the Algeria vs. Austria match tonight at 9:00 PM in Kansas City, the weather will be partly cloudy with a comfortable temperature of 26°C that feels like 29°C. Fans and players can expect a dry evening with a 0% chance of rain, though the humidity will be quite high at 82%. A gentle breeze will blow across the stadium at a speed of 7 mph coming from the southeast.

Tantashev’s first World Cup match was Scotland vs. Morocco, a game that wasn’t as physical as expected. He issued just two yellow cards despite the 19 fouls and 30 tackles committed during that group stage contest.

Algeria must win this game to solidify its chances of reaching the knockout stage. This matchup against Austria should be crucial for them, especially playing against a team that has nothing left to lose in this tournament.

Tantashev’s experience

Tantashev might only have one World Cup match under his belt as a referee, but he knows what it takes to work a national team game and deal with demanding managers. He previously officiated in the 2024 Olympic Games, the 2026 Asian World Cup Qualifiers, and an international friendly in 2025.

Tantashev averages 3.84 yellow cards per game over his career. This relatively low average could give Algeria and Austria some leeway to commit minor fouls without immediately receiving a yellow or red card.

It’s not that Algeria is one of the most physical of the 48 national teams in the World Cup, on the contrary, they have only received one yellow card so far. However, they must find a way to stop an Austria squad that has collected three yellow cards in the group stage and plays a slightly more physical style.

Austria come as second in the group with three points and a 0 goal difference number. This come thanks to a 3-1 win over Jordan, but then a 0-2 loss to Argentina in Matchday 2.

When it comes to Algeria, they lost the first game 0-3 vs Argentina thanks to a Lionel Messi hat-trick, but then bounced back against Jordan and won 1-2. Hence, Algeria have three points and a -2 goal difference.

What happens if Austria win vs Algeria?

Austria would secure the second-spot of Group J and therefore, get a spot in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. There is no way for Austria to leapfrog Argentina as they lost the head-to-head matchup.

Hence, the best place Austria can aspire to get is the one they hold before the game starts, which is second place. Still, a win would lift the morale and boost the team’s hopes for next round, where they could face Spain.

What happens if Austria tie vs Algeria?

A tie between Austria and Algeria is controversial because it ensures both teams advance to the next round while eliminating other competitors, reviving painful historical memories of the infamous 1982 World Cup “Disgrace of Gijon.” In this case, Algeria would be one of the best third places.

Ironically enough, the Disgrace of Gijon involved precisely these two teams. Austria and West Germany played their final group match knowing a 1-0 German victory would advance both European teams and eliminate Algeria. After an early goal by Germany, no team was eager to attack. Now, Algeria won’t be the affected, but one of the participants of the match.

What happens if Austria lose vs Algeria?

If Austria loses to Algeria, Austria drops to third place in Group J and risks near-total elimination. While a very narrow defeat might technically allow them to squeak through as one of the best third-placed teams via goal difference, Algeria would automatically jump to second place.

If Austria lose by one goal, they would still be in contention for a wild card as they’d have more goals scored than South Korea, though a DR Congo win vs Uzbekistan would leave them out of the best eight third places.

Group J standings ahead of Matchday 3

How to watch Algeria vs Austria in the USA

Soccer fans across the United States will be able to watch this highly anticipated clash live on FS1 and Telemundo through traditional TV coverage.

Those preferring to stream can follow the action on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, and Peacock Premium.

Can I watch Algeria vs Austria for free?

U.S. fans can stream this highly anticipated matchup live on Fubo or DirecTV Stream. Eligible new subscribers may qualify for a five-day free trial.

Both platforms offer nationwide live coverage, allowing viewers to follow every key moment and decisive play as it happens.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Everything is on the line as Austria and Algeria meet in their final group-stage match with second place still available.

Both teams have three points after defeating Jordan and losing to Argentina, but Austria holds the advantage on goal difference.

A draw would be enough for Austria to advance, while Algeria must push for a win to keep its tournament hopes alive. With qualification at stake, expect an intense battle from the opening whistle.

Algeria vs Austria: Predicted Lineups

Algeria (4-4-2): Raïs M’Bolhi; Mohamed Belghali, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Aït-Nouri; Riyad Mahrez, Hicham Boudaoui, Nabil Bentaleb, Ibrahim Maza; Adil Boulbina, Amine Gouiri.

Austria (4-2-3-1): Alexander Schlager; Konrad Laimer, Kevin Danso, David Alaba, Phillipp Mwene; Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Romano Schmid, Carney Chukwuemeka, Marcel Sabitzer; Marko Arnautović.

What time is the Algeria vs Austria match?

The match kicks off today, June 27, at 10:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 10:00 PM
Central Time: 9:00 PM
Mountain Time: 8:00 PM
Pacific Time: 7:00 PM

Surprisingly, it wasn’t Klose who opposed to Messi snapping his World Cup milestone. Quite the contrary, as Klose congratulated Messi and called him “the best of all time.“ Instead, it was Schmeichel, who delivered a blunt statement about Messi’s beauty of a goal against Austria, before capping things off with a brace to send Argentina through to the round of 32.

“I am not going to take the gloss off Messi, I think he’s been fantastic. But I don’t think that goal should have stood,” Schmeichel admitted on FOX, where he is working as an analyst.

“Think about how Argentina got that penalty, it was a kick from behind through the player. This is a free-kick as well. That should’ve been a free-kick. The play goes on to the goal. VAR should have taken the goal back. It was a clear and obvious mistake from the referee.”

Messi under the scope once again

While Schmeichel made it clear his comments weren’t directed at Messi or Argentina, and were mainly aimed at match referee Amin Omar, they did cause suspicion to resurface. In Qatar 2022, much was said about Argentina’s games and the fact they got the better end of the stick on several occasions.

Argentina were awarded five penalties throughout the 2022 World Cup, and while some were obvious calls (like the one awarded to Argentina against Austria in 2026), others left room for discussion. With his comments on Messi’s first goal against Austria, the same conversation that took place four years ago may take over world soccer once more.

Argentina move on to knockout stage

However, as the rest of the world debates whether referees have a soft spot for Messi and Argentina, La Albiceleste go about their business. It’s worked out just fine for them before, so there is really no reason to change course now.

Argentina are off to the knockout stage, have clinched first place in Group J, and will take on Jordan in a game that matters little. Argentina will be without Cristian Romero against Jordan, but have avoided a major scare. Plus, it will serve them well to test their depth and try new things.

Even when it rains, the sun seems to shine on Argentina. Somehow, some way, they always land on their feet. As the Argentine saying goes: Every bus leads them home.

“Today there were moments where I was angry with myself because I missed it [the penalty] and took it very badly… but luckily we were able to turn it around and walk away with the 3 points, which is the most important thing,” Messi said. “I am incredibly happy with the victory. It was an immensely tough, hard-fought match, but it gives us peace of mind for what lies ahead.”

With his two-goal clinic, Messi shattered two separate milestones, most notably eclipsing German legend Miroslav Klose to officially become the highest goalscorer in World Cup history.

Beyond the captain’s own post-match analysis, defender Lisandro Martínez shut down any ongoing debates regarding Messi’s legacy. When asked about the constant comparisons between Messi and other rising stars, Martínez was definitive, stating simply that “he can’t be compared.”

Messi’s full comments after the game

While reflecting on his individual performance, Messi emphasized his immense satisfaction with Argentina securing an early ticket to the Round of 32, a knockout berth earned on the heels of back-to-back victories over Algeria and Austria in group play.

“Obviously happy, above all, for the victory. It was a very tough win; we knew it was going to be a highly intense match,” Messi said. “I’m happy with the result and the qualification. It was important for us to get six points to have a more peaceful week ahead.”

Messi added: “Getting these two victories was part of our plans, but we knew it wouldn’t be easy, especially with how this World Cup is going where nobody gives anything away. At times, it was hard for us to maintain the long possessions we wanted. It’s true they didn’t cause much damage either, but it was an intense, hard-fought match.“

What’s next for Messi and Argentina?

With a victory over Austria in the books and their place at the top of the table solidified, La Albiceleste will wrap up group play against Jordan. Jordan’s own knockout-stage aspirations hang in the balance, heavily depending on whether they can secure a crucial result against Algeria in their Matchday 2 fixture.

Messi’s brace also helped him reach another difficult World Cup record. However, for the team, it all but confirmed its spot as the best team in Group J with one game to go. If Jordan doesn’t beat Algeria, Argentina will win Group J.

As for Austria, the team is still alive, but losing the head-to-head vs. Argentina nullifies its chance to be the first seed of the group regardless of how it goes against Algeria in the next match.

2026 World Cup Group J standings

With this result, and knowing that Jordan vs Algeria haven’t played yet, we have an incomplete, yet very telling picture of the standings:

Group J Matchday 3 games

Argentina will basically play for anecdote in the third matchday as they will secure the first spot of the group by avoiding defeat, or if Jordan can’t beat Algeria in their Matchday 2 game. However, depending on the results later in Jordan vs Algeria, the other three teams could be fighting all to get through.

• June 27, 10 PM ET: Argentina vs Jordan – Dallas Stadium, Texas, USA
• June 27, 10 PM ET: Austria vs Algeria – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, USA

Despite the setback against the powerhouse Albiceleste, Austria remain firmly in contention for a spot in the next round. Sitting on three points with a pivotal Matchday 3 clash against Algeria looming, the Austrians control their own destiny but realistically need a positive result to secure passage to the Round of 32.

Here is how the group shapes up following Argentina‘s victory:

Austria’s chances to qualify to the Round of 32

After losing to Argentina and having a clear chance to qualify, there are two things that they need to happen, in order to find out the potential position they can occupy in Group J.

If Algeria beat Jordan, Argentina will secure the first place of the standings. Meaning that between Algeria and Austria will be the second and third places in the standings, as the best eight thirds in the group stage qualify to the next round.

Facing each other in the last game of the group stage, there are three scenarios:

• Winning against Algeria: With this result they will qualify in the second place of the standings.
• Tying against Algeria: Depending on the amount of goals scored by Algeria against Jordan, the goal difference will be the tiebreaker, as the first item is the head-to-head confrontation.
• Losing to Algeria: They will need to wait for the other best third teams in the group stage, and see if they can qualify with that item.

After uncharacteristically missing a penalty kick earlier in the first half against Austria, Messi redeemed himself by orchestrating a brilliant sequence. The Argentine icon initiated the play with a sweeping cross to the left flank before continuing his run, ultimately receiving a clever dummy pass completely unmarked to fire home.

With the clinical finish, Messi adds yet another historic milestone to his legendary resume, and he has plenty of opportunity to distance himself from the chasing pack if he stays hot against Austria. His ability to further rewrite the record books will ultimately hinge on his physical fitness and durability over the course of Argentina‘s grueling World Cup campaign.

The goal also allows Messi to widen his lead over long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo for career World Cup goals. Anticipation is already building for what the maestro can deliver in Argentina‘s upcoming group-stage finale against Jordan, as well as the high-stakes single-elimination matchup waiting in the Round of 32.

Messi matches another historic milestone with latest goal

By surpassing Miroslav Klose to claim 17 career World Cup goals, Lionel Messi also equaled, with most consecutive matches scoring in a World Cup stage held by a Brazilian icon, continuing to rewrite the history books on soccer’s grandest international stage.

Even though Messi became the first player to miss a penalty kick in the 2026 World Cup, his sheer brilliance and subsequent goal completely erased the blunder, anchoring another historic chapter for the Argentine talisman.

With the stage now set for Argentina to make a deep run, La Albiceleste understands exactly how heavily their aspirations rest on their superstar’s shoulders. With Messi firing on all cylinders, a successful World Cup title defense looks less like a dream and more like a distinct reality.