World Cup 2026: Ralf Rangnick says dramatic Algeria draw will remain the defining memory of Austria’s campaign

Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick says the dramatic closing moments of his side’s World Cup draw with Algeria will remain the most unforgettable experience of his coaching career, even after Austria’s tournament ended with defeat to Spain.

The 3-3 draw between Algeria and Austria on the final day of the group stage at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City secured qualification for both teams after a remarkable finish.

The match later became the subject of speculation, but Rangnick’s reflections on its closing moments underlined the emotion surrounding Austria’s qualification.

Austria appeared to be heading out of the competition after Riyad Mahrez scored in the third minute of stoppage time to put Algeria ahead.

However, Saša Kalajdžić equalised three minutes later, dramatically restoring Austria’s place in the knockout stage and setting up a meeting with Spain.

Although Austria’s World Cup campaign came to an end with a 3-0 defeat to Spain in Los Angeles, Rangnick said the events against Algeria would remain the defining memory of the tournament for him and his players.

Rangnick recalls unforgettable final moments

Speaking before Austria faced Spain in the round of 32, Rangnick reflected on the dramatic conclusion to the match against Vladimir Petković’s Algeria.

The experienced coach admitted that the emotions generated during the final two minutes of the contest surpassed anything he had experienced during four decades in football.

“Whatever happens against Spain, whether we qualify or not, the last 120 seconds of our game against Algeria will remain etched in the minds of the players and the coaching staff. I think that in my 40-year career, I’ve never experienced such intense moments. It was an incredible scenario.”

His comments highlighted the significance of the result, with Austria’s qualification secured only moments after it had appeared to slip away.

Late drama changed Austria’s fate

The decisive moments unfolded deep into stoppage time.

Mahrez’s goal in the 90+3 minute looked set to earn Algeria second place in Group J while eliminating Austria from the competition.

However, Kalajdžić struck in the sixth minute of added time to rescue a 3-3 draw and send Austria through to the knockout stage instead.

The dramatic turnaround ensured both teams progressed, while creating one of the most memorable finishes of the group phase.

Spain end Austria’s World Cup journey

Austria were unable to produce another dramatic escape when they met Spain in the round of 32.

Lamine Yamal inspired the European champions to a comfortable 3-0 victory, with Marcel Sabitzer and his team-mates unable to find a way past a Spanish defence that recorded a fourth consecutive clean sheet.

Kalajdžić’s stoppage-time equaliser against Algeria ultimately proved to be Austria’s final goal of the tournament.

Spain’s victory earned them a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the match between Portugal and Croatia in Dallas.

A lasting memory despite elimination

Although Austria’s World Cup campaign ended earlier than they had hoped, Rangnick made clear that the emotions of the Algeria match would remain with him long after the tournament.

For the Austrian coach, the extraordinary final moments in Kansas City represented one of the most intense experiences of his coaching career, providing a lasting memory despite his team’s eventual elimination.