Group J produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. Austria rescued a 3-3 draw against Algeria with virtually the last kick of the match, sending both teams into the Round of 32.

Argentina also completed the job, defeating Jordan 3-1 to comfortably secure top spot in the group.

Six-Goal Thriller Sends Two Teams Through

The meeting between Austria and Algeria looked like a match where both teams could live with a draw, but the action on the pitch told a very different story.

Austria struck first after David Alaba picked out Marko Arnautovic, who calmly finished to give Ralf Rangnick's side the lead midway through the first half.

Algeria refused to sit back and equalized before the break through Mohamed Belghali, whose powerful finish capped an impressive solo run inside the penalty area.

The second half became even more entertaining.

Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's advantage after combining with Konrad Laimer, only for Riyad Mahrez to level the score again minutes later following an excellent assist from Houssem Aouar.

Kalajdzic Delivers the Decisive Moment

The drama peaked deep into stoppage time.

Mahrez scored his second goal of the evening in the 93rd minute, seemingly completing Algeria's comeback and leaving Austria on the brink of elimination.

With time almost gone, Austria threw everyone forward.

Their final attack produced the moment that changed everything. A cross into the box found Sasa Kalajdzic, whose towering header crossed the line in the sixth minute of added time to rescue a 3-3 draw and spark wild celebrations.

The dramatic equalizer secured second place for Austria, while Algeria also advanced as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

Argentina Cruise Despite Rotating Squad

Already close to winning the group, Argentina rested several key players, including Lionel Messi, for much of their clash with Jordan.

Even so, the reigning world champions proved too strong.

Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring with a superb free kick before Lautaro Martinez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after a VAR review awarded Argentina a spot kick.

Jordan briefly threatened a comeback when Mousa Tamari reduced the deficit after halftime.

Any hopes of an upset disappeared shortly afterwards.

Introduced from the bench, Messi marked his appearance with another goal from a free kick. Although the effort looked relatively comfortable for the goalkeeper, he was caught off balance and could only watch the ball slip into the net.

The strike extended Messi's extraordinary World Cup scoring streak to seven consecutive matches and took his tournament tally to six goals.

Knockout Stage Set

Argentina finish Group J unbeaten and will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.

Austria's remarkable late equalizer earned them second place and a difficult meeting with Spain.

Algeria also continue their World Cup adventure after qualifying from third place and will take on Switzerland, while Jordan leave the tournament without collecting a single point.