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Algeria and Austria will conclude their World Cup 2026 group-stage bids on Sunday, when they meet in Kansas in the final round of games in group J.
The two nations sit third and second respectively on three points each from two games, with a winner guaranteed a round-of-32 spot while a draw may be enough for both to advance.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions, as well as our best 2026 World Cup betting offers and free bets.
Algeria vs. Austria key stats
- Algeria have won eight of their last 11 matches in all competitions.
- The only H2H on record was a 2-0 Austria win in 1982.
- Austria's loss last time out ended a six-game unbeaten streak that included five victories.
- Austria have scored 23 goals in their last nine outings.
Algeria vs. Austria preview: Can Algeria leapfrog Austria to take second spot with win?
| Algeria | vs | Austria |
|---|---|---|
| 27 | FIFA Ranking | 23 |
| Aissa Mandi (121) | Most Caps | Marko Arnautovic (135) |
| Riyad Mahrez (38) | Most Goals | Marko Arnautovic (48) |
| 809 | Total Caps | 1,036 |
| 123 | Total Goals | 151 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
Algeria head into action in Kansas on Sunday needing a victory to guarantee their place in the World Cup knockout rounds in their first appearance on the global stage since reaching the round of 16 in 2014.
They qualified for this summer's tournament in impressive fashion, topping their African group with eight wins and just one defeat from 10 matches, while Mohamed Amoura topped the African qualifying's scoring charts with 10 goals.
After a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign, the Desert Warriors headed into the World Cup on the back of three wins and a draw in friendlies, but they faced a tough start in the group stage and suffered a 3-0 beating at the hands of Argentina with Lionel Messi netting a hat-trick.
A meeting with Jordan then followed and Vladimir Petkovic's side put their first points on the board in California, coming from behind to scrape a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Nadir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri in the final 25 minutes.
Now left third on three points with inferior goal difference to their opposition following a slow start, Algeria can only finish second and progress automatically if they can win and leapfrog Austria on Sunday, although they are still in contention to progress as one of the best third-placed nations otherwise with a draw bound to help those chances of advancing.
Their opponents, meanwhile, also come into the final group game on three points but with the luxury of only needing a draw to guarantee their top-two spot and round-of-32 qualification.
Austria secured their place at a first World Cup since 1998 this summer by topping their qualifying group on 19 points from eight matches and headed into the tournament on the back of three straight friendly wins.
The Burschen made a pleasing start against Jordan, winning 3-1 with Romano Schmid and Marko Arnautovic on the scoresheet alongside a Yazan Al Arab goal.
They failed to guarantee a knockout spot against Argentina last time out, though, losing 2-0 to a Lionel Messi double in Texas but keeping hold of second spot with a neutral goal difference.
The experienced Austria squad, led by the likes of Alaba, Laimer, Sabitzer and Arnautovic, will now bid to stay ahead with a victory or draw and punch their ticket to the final 32, with a defeat leaving them on 3 points and a negative goal difference and at risk of not advancing through the best third-placed spots.
Algeria vs. Austria form guide & betting tips
| Algeria | vs | Austria |
|---|---|---|
DWWLW |
Form | WWWWL |
| 7 | Goals For | 10 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 4 |
LW |
WORLD CUP | WL |
Whispers predicts: Algeria 1-2 Austria
Algeria head into the decisive contest knowing only a win may suffice if they are to advance to the knockout rounds. They have the attacking quality to hurt their opponents, while Austria have only failed to score in one of their last seven games, coming against the defending world champions. We see Both Teams to Score as good value at 1/1 (2.0).
Algeria racked up 10 corners against Jordan last time out and will be forced to take the game to Austria on Sunday. Their opponents, meanwhile, managed three in a tough game against Argentina and should have opportunities to counter. Over 8 corners is priced at 6/5 (2.20).
While Riyad Mahrez may still be Algeria's attacking star, much of their work in chasing a victory should be built around Amine Gouiri, who has scored five goals in his last six caps including the crucial winner against Jordan when the Marseille front man's nation needed a goal, making it 11 in 25 games for the Desert Warriors. We fancy him to score anytime at 10/3 (4.33).
> Both Teams to Score at 1/1 (2.0) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 8 corners at 6/5 (2.20) | Likelihood: Possible
> Amine Gouiri to score anytime at 10/3 (4.33) | Likelihood: Possible