The incident occurred during the final group stage match at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, US, on 27/6. Austria and Algeria, both with three points in Group J, were vying for qualification. A draw would secure four points for both teams, a tally almost certainly sufficient to advance, at least as one of the best third-placed teams.

While neither team publicly declared an intention to draw, the new FIFA format, which expanded the tournament to 48 teams, inadvertently created an incentive for teams to accept such an outcome if on-field developments were favorable. The late-game events in the match fueled suspicions that Algeria and Austria might have reached a tacit agreement to both progress.

Mahrez reacts after scoring Algeria's third goal in their 3-3 draw against Austria in the final Group J match of World Cup 2026 at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, US, on 27/6/2026. *Photo: Screenshot*

In the third minute of added time, Mahrez penetrated the penalty area and fired a shot across goal, putting Algeria up 3-2. He celebrated with intense excitement, arms outstretched. However, the former Manchester City forward's joyful expression quickly turned serious after a brief exchange with his teammates.

Had the 3-2 scoreline held, Algeria would have finished second in Group J, setting up a round of 16 clash with reigning European champions Spain, rather than Switzerland. Conversely, Austria would have been eliminated with three points, while Iran would have advanced. Yet, in the sixth minute of added time, Sasa Kalajdzic scored a close-range header, leveling the match at 3-3. This result meant both Austria and Algeria finished with four points. Austria secured the higher position due to goal difference and will also face Spain in the round of 16.

*Key moments from the Algeria 3-3 Austria match.

The moment Mahrez’s expression shifted from joy to seriousness quickly circulated on social media platforms like X and Reddit. Many speculated that Mahrez’s teammates might have reminded him that his goal could lead to Algeria facing Spain earlier in the tournament.

When questioned about the incident after the match, Mahrez stated, "I have to respect football. When the ball is in front of the goal, my job is to try to score, and I did that. Austria also tried to score when they were leading 2-1."

Explaining his go-ahead goal in added time, Mahrez acknowledged that the late-game sequence might appear confusing to many, especially since a draw ultimately benefited both teams. The 35-year-old forward asserted that he would never consider refusing a scoring opportunity due to tactical calculations about opponents.

"I understand many people found this situation strange, but that's football, and we must respect the game. The good thing for them is they scored and qualified. We also progressed from the group stage, and that's the most important thing," he said.

Mahrez is a prominent figure in Algerian football. He has won 13 major titles during his 10 years playing in England for Manchester City, including five Premier League championships and one Champions League. He also won one Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the Algerian national team in 2019. In the summer of 2022, he moved from Europe to the Saudi Pro League in a transfer valued at 38 million USD.