2026 World Cup: Algeria and Austria Maintain 'Unexpected' Draw Amid Conspiracy Theories
June 30, 2026 · Global
Algeria and Austria played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in their final Group J match of the 2026 World Cup, although both teams denied there was any conspiracy to manipulate the result, despite accusations from Iranian fans.
The match known as the 'Disgrace of Gijon' at the 1982 World Cup cast a shadow over Austria and Algeria for 44 years. In their final group match at the 2026 World Cup, Algeria and Austria met again, knowing that a draw would see them both through to the knockout phase, at Iran's expense. Ultimately, a 3-3 draw occurred on Sunday morning, leaving Austria in second place in the group and Algeria as one of the best third-placed teams.
However, both teams vehemently denied that this was a repeat of 'Disgrace of Gijon'. Although conspiracy theorists suggest that the chaotic ending, including two goals in stoppage time, felt like a staged scenario.
How is the match going? Austria opened the scoring through Marko Arnautovic in the 28th minute, but Rafik Belghali equalized to make it 1-1 in the 45th minute. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's lead in the 55th minute, before Riyad Mahrez equalized again five minutes later. Algeria captain Mahrez then scored what looked like the winner in the 93rd minute, but Sasa Kalajdzic managed to equalize 3-3 with a dramatic goal in the 96th minute.
What conspiracy theories have emerged? Many Iranian fans felt aggrieved by the result and called on FIFA to investigate, highlighting several moments from the match on social media to support their argument. Some fans said the Austrians were "just walking around" until Algeria equalised, with comments that "this was a disgrace" and "the most planned game I've ever seen".
The game started slowly, with Arnautovic's goal being the first shot on target. Footage circulating shows that the two teams in position 2-2 don't seem to be doing their best to win. After Mahrez's second goal, footage also emerged of a confrontation between the two benches, with some claiming to show frustration that the draw was compromised. A video shows Algeria's Aissa Mandi covering her mouth and speaking to Mahrez, who appears confused.
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick branded the idea of a draw being reached as "crazy" and insisted that the final 15 minutes of the match showed that neither side was looking for a repeat of the 'Disgrace of Gijon'. "In this game, when you have a score of 3-3, no one can assume that it's a done deal," Rangnick said. "If, with three minutes left, someone had said this would happen, you would have thought they were crazy. I've been a coach for about 40 years and I don't even remember a match that had such a dramatic course and such an unexpected direction. Most people were expecting a 0-0 or 1-1 result, and now it's 3-3. It's incredible - the dressing room is madness."
Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic also rejected accusations of a fix. "I'm very happy that, in the end, it was football that won, that survived - 3-3 is enough to say it all," he added.
Austria will face Spain in the round of 32 in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 2 (20:00 BST), while Algeria will play Switzerland in Vancouver on Friday, July 3 (04:00 BST).