Conspiracy or Chaos? Algeria and Austria Defend Controversial Draw

Austria scored a dramatic late equalizer against Algeria, with both teams progressing.

The “Disgrace of Gijón” – a scandalous match from the 1982 World Cup in Spain – has haunted Austria and Algeria for 44 years.

Back then, West Germany defeated Austria 1-0 in their final group match, a result that saw both teams advance and eliminated Algeria.

The encounter became infamous because both teams visibly played without effort, knowing the result suited them both.

Fast forward to the 2026 World Cup, where Algeria and Austria met again in their final Group J match, aware that a draw would send both teams through at Iran's expense.

The outcome was a thrilling 3-3 draw on Sunday morning, which left Austria second in the group, and Algeria qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.

However, both camps vehemently denied this was a repeat of the “Disgrace of Gijón,” despite conspiracists believing the chaotic finish, featuring two goals in injury time, appeared orchestrated.

Too good to be true? Or too good to be staged?

What happened in the match? Austria opened the scoring through Marko Arnautović in the 28th minute. Rafik Belghali equalized for 1-1 in the 45th minute. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's lead in the 55th minute. Riyad Mahrez leveled again five minutes later. Then, Algeria's captain scored what looked like a winning goal in the 93rd minute – a goal that would have knocked out Austria and sent Iran through after their 1-1 draw with Egypt. But in the dying seconds, Saša Kalajdžić scored a dramatic equalizer with a header in the 96th minute for 3-3, sending both teams into the knockout stage. What are the conspiracy theories?

Many Iranian fans felt cheated by the result, calling on FIFA to investigate and highlighting several moments from the match on social media to support their claims. Football enthusiasts also discussed theories about the unfolding events.

Austrian players were accused of “strolling” until Algeria equalized. Some commented that “this is a disgrace” and “the most staged match I've ever seen,” while another fan called it a “scandal.”

The match started sluggishly, with Arnautović's goal just before the half-hour mark being the first shot on target. Subsequently, videos emerged showing both teams seemingly simulating play rather than seeking a winning goal when the score was 2-2.

After Mahrez's second goal, footage also circulated of a confrontation between the two benches, with some claiming it showed irritation over the disruption of an agreed-upon draw.

A video also showed Aïssa Mandi of Algeria covering his mouth and speaking to a confused Mahrez, with a fan tweeting that the forward was told his team would play Spain, not Switzerland, if they won. Austria then secured a dramatic equalizer.

“If Alfred Hitchcock had written such a drama, I would have said he was completely mad.”

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick stated it was “madness” to suggest there was an agreement for a staged draw.

He insisted that the unpredictable final 15 minutes of the match in Kansas City clearly showed neither team wanted a repeat of the “Disgrace of Gijón.”

“In a match like that, with a 3-3 score, no one can assume there was an agreement, especially after what we saw in the last 90 seconds,” Rangnick said.

“If three minutes before the end someone had said this would happen, you would have told them they were crazy. I've been a coach for about 40 years, and I don't even remember a match with such a dramatic development and such an unexpected trajectory. Most people expected 0-0 or 1-1, and now it's 3-3. It's incredible – the locker room is crazy. If Alfred Hitchcock had written such a drama, I probably would have said he was completely mad.”

Algeria coach Vladimir Petković also dismissed claims of any arrangement.

“I am extremely happy that in the end, football won, that it prevailed – the 3-3 result speaks for itself,” he added.

Austria will face Spain in the Round of 16 in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 2, while Algeria will play Switzerland in Vancouver on Friday, July 3.