Lionel Messi scored a record-breaking goal as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J finale in Dallas.

KANSAS CITY, Missouri, June 26 - Austria coach Ralf Rangnick and midfielder Konrad Laimer insisted that their sole focus was beating Algeria and reaching the World Cup knockout stage, dismissing suggestions that avoiding victory could provide a more favourable route.

Iran had a chance to qualify for the round of 32 but was eliminated after Austria and Algeria played to a 3-3 draw.

Unlike ‘Disgrace of Gijon’ 44 years ago, teams here went hell for leather in thrilling match from which both qualified at expense of Iran

There was only one way for both Algeria and Austria to go through to the round of 32 and that was if the match between them, one of two final group stage games of this World Cup, ended in a draw.

In a nail-biting conclusion to Group J, Algeria and Austria ended their match in a sensational 3-3 draw, both advancing to the Round of 32. Riyad Mahrez shined with a brace for Algeria, while Sasa Kalajdzic salvaged Austria's hopes with a last-gasp equalizer.