Mahrez bags brace to send Algeria into FIFA World Cup Last 32 | OneFootball

Riyad Mahrez has joined the 2026 FIFA World Cup party, the Roshn Saudi League star scoring twice to help send Algeria through to the knockouts.

The national team captain, a long-time Al Ahli standout, was the main man in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Austria in Kansas early on Sunday.

First, Mahrez netted Algeria’s second equaliser to make it 2-2 at Arrowhead Stadium before he then thought he'd sealed victory with the apparent winner three minutes into stoppage-time.

Houssem Aouar, an RSL title winner at Jeddah rivals Al Ittihad, set up both of Mahrez’s goals.

However, there was a massive sting in the tail in the 96th minute, when Sasa Kalajdzi headed home from close range to earn Austria a point.

The result meant the Europeans finished ahead of Algeria as runners-up in Group J, leaving Mahrez and Co to face Switzerland in the Last 32.

Two-time AFC Champions League Elite winner Mahrez, who was voted Man of the Match, will no doubt be key to his team’s chances of progressing - thankfully, he’s right on form having bagged his 38th and 39th international goals.