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

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.