Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterFIFA's group stage rules and the legislation around how teams progress to the knockouts has created a strange scenario in Group J.Austria and Algeria meet this evening knowing a draw will send both through to the Round of 32. Neither side can win the group, due to their head-to-head record against Argentina, therefore there isn't a huge incentive to win this match, other than a more favourable knockout tie for finishing second rather than third.Currently, it is Austria who sit second in Group J, ahead of Algeria by virtue of goals scored.Algeria vs Austria predictionsDespite the low-stakes nature of this game on paper, there is World Cup history between Austria and Algeria.At the 1982 World Cup hosted in Spain, the North Africans could have progressed from the group stage had Austria avoided defeat against West Germany in the final group game. You may like Could Algeria and Austria play for a draw to knock Scotland out of the World Cup? Jordan vs Algeria: World Cup 2026 prediction Austria vs Jordan prediction as gulf in class represents early World Cup banana skin A day earlier, Algeria had played their final match of the group and their fate remained in the hands of the two European nations, who played out a tepid encounter, each advancing to the knockouts.The West Germans won 1-0 in a game which was subsequently dubbed 'the Disgrace of Gijon'.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Even if other results go their way, Scotland will have one eye on this match because if points are shared, the Scots are out and heading home.A two-goal or greater victory for Austria is the outcome that Scotland fans will be crossing their fingers for.Algeria vs Austria score predictionThere's only one way this game finishes, isn't there? 'The Disgrace of Kansas City' - it's got a ring to it.Score prediction: Algeria 1-1 AustriaTOPICSAustriaAlgeriaWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Joe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
