Austria and Algeria Draw 3-3 in FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Amidst Controversy

New York. The infamous 1982 World Cup match in Spain, 'The Disgrace of Gijon,' has been haunting Austria and Algeria for 44 years.

In the final group stage match, both teams advanced to the next round while Algeria was eliminated after West Germany defeated Austria 1-0.

The match became infamous because both teams knew the result was favorable to them and only went through the motions.

Now, let's return to the 2026 World Cup. In the final match of Group 'J,' Algeria and Austria faced each other again. Both teams knew that if they drew, Iran would be eliminated, and they would both advance to the next round.

The match, which took place on Sunday morning, ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. With this, Austria finished second in the group, while Algeria became one of the best third-placed teams.

However, both sides have strongly denied that this match was a repeat of 'The Disgrace of Gijon.' Nevertheless, conspiracy theorists claim that the dramatic ending, including two goals in injury time, was predetermined.

A hard-to-believe truth? Or an excellent game that cannot be called predetermined?

What happened in the match?

• Austria scored the first goal through Marko Arnautovic in the 28th minute.
• Rafik Belghali equalized in the 45th minute, bringing the score to 1-1.
• Marcel Sabitzer gave Austria the lead again in the 55th minute.
• Five minutes later, Riyad Mahrez equalized again.
• Then, Algeria's captain scored what seemed like the winning goal in the 93rd minute. Since the match between Iran and Egypt ended in a 1-1 draw, this goal would have sent Austria out and Iran to the next round.
• However, with only a few seconds left in the game, Sasa Kalajdzic scored a dramatic header in the 96th minute to bring the score to 3-3. This sent both teams to the knockout stage.

What are the conspiracy claims?

Many Iranian fans felt cheated by this result. They have highlighted various scenes from the match on social media, calling for FIFA to investigate and support their claims. Football fans have also discussed various theories about how the events of the match unfolded.

It was alleged that the Austrian players were just 'passing time' on the field until Algeria equalized. Some called it 'a disgrace' and 'the most predetermined game I have ever seen.' Another fan called it a 'scandal.'

• The game started at a very slow pace. The goal scored by Arnautovic just before the half-hour mark was the first 'shot on target' of the match.
• When the game was tied at 2-2, video clips emerged showing both teams only going through the motions instead of trying to score the winning goal.
• Video footage of an argument between the benches of both teams after Mahrez's second goal has also surfaced. Some claim this scene was due to frustration over the draw plan going awry.
• In one video, Algeria's Aissa Mandi is seen talking to Mahrez with his hand over his mouth. Mahrez appeared confused at that time. A fan tweeted claiming that the forward was informed that if they won the match, they would have to play Spain instead of Switzerland in the Round of 32. Immediately after that, Austria scored the dramatic equalizer.

'If Alfred Hitchcock had written such a drama, I would have called him completely mad'

Austria's manager Ralf Rangnick dismissed the claim of a predetermined draw as 'madness.' He asserted that the unexpected situation in the last 15 minutes of the match in Kansas City made it clear that both teams were not in favor of repeating 'The Disgrace of Gijon.'

Rangnick said, 'No one can call this match a pre-agreement with a 3-3 result, especially after what we saw in the last 90 seconds, it is absolutely impossible.'

'If someone had said this would happen three minutes before the end of the game, you would have called them mad.'

'I have been a coach for about 40 years. I don't remember any game with such dramatic events and such an unexpected turn.'

'Most people expected 0-0 or 1-1, but now it's 3-3. It's unbelievable, there's madness in the dressing room. If Alfred Hitchcock had written such a drama, I would probably have called him completely mad.'

Algeria's manager Vladimir Petkovic also dismissed the claim of any prior agreement.

He added, 'Ultimately, I am extremely happy that football has won. A 3-3 score speaks for itself.'

Austria will face Spain in the Round of 32 match in Los Angeles on July 2. Similarly, Algeria will play Switzerland in Vancouver on July 3.