Austria face Algeria on Sunday 28 June 2026 in a FIFA World Cup group stage fixture. The match is played as the Round of 32 knockout phase gets under way, with late group-phase results still shaping the bracket. Two nations returning to football’s global stage after lengthy absences meet in an intriguing Europe-versus-Africa fixture.
What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026. It is the first tournament to feature 48 teams and the first to be held across three host countries. Sides are drawn into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed finishers advancing to a Round of 32 knockout stage.
The expanded format has opened doors for nations like Austria and Algeria to return to the finals after absences, giving traditional football cultures renewed global exposure.
When is Austria vs Algeria?
Austria vs Algeria is played on Sunday 28 June 2026. Kick-off time is confirmed in FIFA’s official match schedule.
Where is Austria vs Algeria?
The match is staged at one of 16 tournament venues across the USA, Canada and Mexico. Host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver, Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey.
Key Contenders
Austria return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 following a strong UEFA qualifying campaign. Das Team are built around a Bundesliga-heavy squad led by captain Marcel Sabitzer and a deep pool of technical midfielders. Ralf Rangnick’s high-pressing approach has transformed the side into one of European football’s more tactically distinctive national teams, with a semi-final run at Euro 2024 reflecting that growth.
Algeria make their return to the World Cup after missing out in 2018 and 2022. The Desert Foxes won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 and feature a squad drawn largely from Ligue 1, the Premier League and Bundesliga. Technical quality and pace on the counter-attack remain their key weapons, with Riyad Mahrez continuing to lead the generation alongside younger emerging talent.
How to Watch
UK coverage is shared between the BBC and ITV, with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. US rights sit with Fox in English and Telemundo in Spanish, on Fox Sports and Peacock. Canadian viewers watch on CTV, TSN and RDS. SBS carries free-to-air coverage in Australia. FIFA+ provides highlights globally.
History and Records
Austria have qualified for eight World Cups, with a best finish of third place in 1954 in Switzerland. Algeria have appeared at four previous finals, memorably reaching the Round of 16 in Brazil 2014 where they pushed eventual champions Germany to extra time. The sides have no significant senior competitive history.
Tickets and Attendance
Official tickets are sold through FIFA.com/tickets via staggered sales phases. Prices depend on match category and seating tier, with hospitality and resale windows operating through the build-up to kick-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Austria vs Algeria kick off?
Sunday 28 June 2026. Kick-off is confirmed in FIFA’s official schedule.
Where is the match being held?
At one of 16 host venues across the USA, Canada and Mexico.
How can I watch Austria vs Algeria?
BBC or ITV in the UK, Fox or Telemundo in the US, CTV and TSN in Canada, SBS in Australia.
When did Austria last play at a World Cup?
Austria last qualified in 1998, losing to Italy in the group stage.