2026 World Cup: Algeria - Austria, defeat forbidden for the Fennecs

This Sunday at 2am GMT in Kansas City, Algeria, third with 3 points, takes on Austria, second with 3 points as well. For now, the Austrians are qualified and could settle for a draw to secure this second place. As for Vladimir Petkovic’s men, they have to go and earn their qualification, as they are not currently among the best eight third-place teams.

Algeria plays to win

No calculations needed. To avoid any nasty surprise, Algeria won’t be holding back. The Fennecs will give everything to claim all three points, take second place, and secure direct qualification for the round of 16.

The scenario is simple for the Algerian team. To avoid depending on the other results from the group stage and a possible spot among the eight best third-place teams, the Fennecs must take all three points. Achraf Abada is well aware of this and seeks only victory against Austria.

“We want to win. We’re not trying to do any calculations to qualify. We hope to beat Austria and forget about the numbers.,” declared the Algerian international defender.

To win against Austria, Algeria must remain consistent over the full 90 minutes. Vladimir Petkovic already has his plan to achieve that.

“We’re going up against a strong team with a very quick attack. We must be realistic and very precise in the way we play if we want to win this game. It’s a decisive and very important match. Either we will be eliminated from the competition, or we’ll qualify by finishing in second or third place.” said the Fennecs’ coach.

Austria does not want to play for a draw

Currently second in Group J, Austria, pending the last six matches, is already qualified. The team will only need a draw to confirm its qualification. Despite this, the Austrian squad will arrive in Kansas City with extra motivation: to win and finish the group stage on a high note.

Ralf Rangnick, Austria’s coach, reiterated this in the press conference: “We cannot play for a draw. We have to qualify, and in the end, it doesn’t matter who we face in the next round.” he said.

Rangnick expects a tough encounter against Algeria. The coach highlighted the qualities of Riyad Mahrez and his teammates.

“Algeria has a good team and a good coach. It won’t be an easy match. They play with a style similar to European teams, building from the back with a four-man defense.” he concluded.

For this crucial match against Austria, Algeria will be without Mohamed Amoura. The forward has not yet fully recovered from his knee injury. He is still in the recovery phase.