Algeria
The North African side came into the World Cup in excellent form, losing just once in 18 games, many pundits were suggesting they could go further than they ever had in a world cup previous.
They then ran into a Lionel Messi inspired Argentina on Matchday 1 in their Group J Opener. The simply had no answer to the brilliant number 10 and he went on to claim a hat-trick in a 3-0 win for the reigning world champions.
They faced the group minnows on Matchday 2 as Jordan were the opposition but it looked to be going wrong when Nizar Al Rashdan gave the Jordainians the lead. However Algeria showed fighting spirit and hit back through goals from Nadhir Benbouali & Amin Gouiri to snatch a 2-1 win.
Injuries & Team News
Algeria will be without the services of Mohamed Amoura for this Group J finale, the VFL Wolfsburg man has been struggling with a hamstring issue since the opening game.
Rayan Ait-Nouri of Manchester City is the highlight of a less-than-convincing back four, whilst the reliable Nabil Bentaleb could enter the midfield for Ramiz Zerrouki.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 2-1 vs Jordan |
W D W W L W
|
Predicted Line-Up
Algeria:
Zidane, Mandi, Ait-Nouri, Belghali, Bensebaini, Bentaleb, Mahrez, Chaibi, Benbouali, Maza, Gouiri.
Austria
Austria are a team on the up under Ralf Rangnick, the former Man Utd man has an experienced squad at his disposal and they all appear comfortable with the systems the German has put in place.
Austria were handed what looked the perfect start to Group J when they were drawn to face world cup debutants Jordan and they ran out comfortable 3-1 winners with goals from Romano Schmidt, Marko Arnautovia and a Yazan Al Arab own goal.
It got much tougher on Matchday 2 when they were to face reigning world champions Argentina. They provided a sturdy performance but in truth never looked like troubling La Celeste and fell to a 2-0 defeat.
Injuries & Team News
There has been lots of noise in the Austrian media for Marko Arnautovic to be handed a place in the starting side after a toothless display against Argentina and it looks like Rangnick will oblige.
Dortmund’s Carney Chukwuemeka could also come into the starting team following 2 positive appearances from the bench thus far in the tournament. He only changed his International Allegiance to Austria in 2026.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-2 vs Argentina | D W W W W L |
Predicted Line-Up
Austria:
X Schlager, Posch, Alaba, Lienhart, Mwene, Laimer, X Schlager, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer, Schmid, Arnautovic.
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria Win | 4/1 – (5.00) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 21/20 – (2.05) | Dream Vegas |
| Austria Win | 21/10 – (3.10) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Algeria 1-1 Austria
This is the match with all world cup eyes on it, Austria have been here before !! We know that a draw will suit both sides and send them both into the knockout rounds, it’s gonna be a draw.