Algeria and Austria will be battling it out for a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup when they face off at 3am (UK time) on Sunday.
Austria have the upperhand going into this game, knowing they only need a draw to finish second in the group. They opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Jordan, thanks to a late second-half display. But Lionel Messi proved too much for them in their next match, with Austria falling to a 2-0 defeat to Argentina. Austria can only finished second or third, but a defeat to Jordan might see them eliminated with three points.
Algeria are in a similar boat to Austria. They were beaten 3-0 by Messi and Argentina in the opening games, conceding a hat-trick to the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer. They then trailed to Jordan at half-time in their second game, but came back to secure a crucial 2-1 win. It leaves Algeria third, in an interesting position. A draw against Austria should be enough to seal their spot as one of the best-third placed sides — a result that works for both sides. Austria were part of a controversial draw with West Germany at the 1982 World Cup that saw both sides through to the knockout stages at Algeria’s expence. Algeria may want revenge from the Disgrace of Gijon, though, and a win would guarantee second.
This will be just the second game between Algeria and Austria, since the 1982 World Cup. Austria won that game, though the whole group stage was ultimately overshadowed.
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Algeria vs Austria team news
Algeria team news
Vladimir Petkovic kept his faith in Luca Zidane despite his struggles in Algeria’s World Cup opener. And he’ll continue in goal here. Petkovic is unlikely to make any changes from the win over Jordan, and he is still without the services of Mohamed Amoura. The forward came off the bench against Argentina but was not in the squad last time out.
Riyad Mahrez came in for Anis Hadj Moussa on the right wing and will likely to continue there, given the importance of the match. Ibraijm Maza should continue in the No.10 with Fares Chaibi on the left, and Amine Gouiri leading the line. Ramiz Zerrouki started over Nabil Bentaleb last time out, but picked up a booking. Bentaleb could return to partner Hicham Boudaoui to avoid any risk of suspension.
The back four has stayed the same across the past two matches, and won’t change here. Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rafik Belghali will partner as the full-backs, with Ramy Bensebaini and Aissa Mandi through the middle.
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Austria team news
Ralf Rangnick may opt to return to his starting lineup from the win over Jordan, given the success they had in front of goal. But there could still be another change. Marko Arnautovic hasn’t started either match, and could lead the line ahead of Sasa Kalajdzic and Michael Gregoritsch. Marcel Sabitzer will continue on the left wing, with Romano Schmid on the right.
There will be a question over who will play between them. Konrad Laimer started their in the opening match, with Paul Wanner taking the No.10 role against Argentina. Laimer may return to the No.10, given the success in the Jordan win. Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald will continue in the double pivot.
With Laimer further forward in the No.10, there’s a spot for Phillipp Mwene to return at left-back. He should be joined in the defence by David Alaba, Kevin Danso and Stefan Posch, with Alexander Schlager in goal.
Algeria vs Austria predicted lineups
Algeria (4-2-3-1): Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Boudaoui, Bentaleb; Mahrez, Maza, Chaibi; Gouiri.
Austria (4-2-3-1): A Schlager; Posch, Danso, Alaba, Mwene; X Schlager, Seiwald; Schmid, Laimer, Sabitzer; Arnautovic.
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