Men's World Cup

Algeria vs Austria World Cup prediction, picks, analysis

USA TODAY

June 27, 2026, 6:31 a.m. ET

Algeria and Austria both beat Jordan and lost to Argentina, but rather than bond over common ground they will clash in Kansas City looking to secure the runner-up spot in the group and advance.

While a draw could also work for both teams, Algeria in particular has insisted in the build-up that it wants to avoid a scene like the one in Gijón, Spain in 1982 when Germany and Austria settled for a 1-0 result that left Algeria on the outside of the knockout round.

Algeria had a decent start to its contest with Lionel Messi and Co., scoring what at first seemed to be a goal but one that later came back for offside. But once Messi got into gear, he scored a hat trick, with Algeria left largely to marvel at his mastery. That was not supposed to be the case against Jordan, yet an opener from Ali Olwan meant it was four straight goals conceded by Les Fennecs.

The Algeria team fans were hoping to see emerged soon after, though with Nadir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri finding the back of the net to secure the three points and keep the hope of moving on alive. Austria has been looking for attacking punch, with veteran forward Marko Arnautovic a bench option.

While an early goal came from winger Romano Schmid against Jordan, things have been much more labored after that. Defensively, Ralf Rangnicks high-energy system has served it well - though it wasnt enough to shut down Leo Messi. After both getting similar results in the opening two games, fans will hope for a well-fought game - and not a bland draw that works for both squads.

The 2026 World Cup is the largest ever, and USA TODAY is going all in with reporters on the ground in all 16 host cities across three countries to cover 48 teams vying for the trophy. Get our World Cup: Extra Time newsletter in your inbox every morning and join our WhatsApp channel to get the latest updates right in your texts.

Algeria vs Austria predictions

Seth Vertelney: Algeria 0 -0 Austria

Neither team will be going for it as a tie would see them both through. That could result in a match that is not fun for the neutrals.

Jon Arnold: Algeria 1-1 Austria

While I don't think this will be an 'agreed draw', I do think these teams are relatively level - and struggle in some of the same areas. This has all the makings of a draw.

Jesse Yomtov: Algeria 2 - 0 Austria

Both teams embarassed themselves against Argentina, but Algeria will snag the points here.

Victoria Hernandez: Algeria 2 -2 Austria

Both teams have paid their dues being trampled on by Lionel Messi and Argentina. It will be a close battle where neither side can overpower the other.

World Cup picks, predictions and odds for June 27

How to watch Algeria vs Austria on June 27

Matchup: Algeria vs Austria
Date: Saturday, June 27
Time: 10:00 PM (ET)
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
TV: FS1
Streaming: FOX One App
Spanish Broadcast: Telemundo, Peacock

Watch the 2026 World Cup with Fubo

Algeria vs Austria odds

World Cup standings

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2026 World Cup format

The 48 competing nations are divided into 12 groups of four. Each group will play a round robin style where teams are awarded three points for a win and one point for a draw. The top two teams in each group advance to the Round of 32 along with the eight best third-place squads. Tiebreakers in the group standings will be resolved using the following criteria:

Greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned
Superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned
Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned
Superior goal difference in all group matches
Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches
Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained
The two or more teams still equal on points shall be ranked according to the most recent published edition of the FIFA Men's World Ranking

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