World Cup 2026: Algeria & Austria defend 'unexpected' draw amid conspiracy theories

The 'Disgrace of Gijon' - an infamous match at the 1982 World Cup in Spain - has followed Austria and Algeria for 44 years.

West Germany beat Austria 1-0 in a final group match that sent both sides through and eliminated Algeria.

It became infamous because both teams appeared to go through the motions, knowing the result suited them both.

Fast forward to the 2026 World Cup and Algeria and Austria met again in their final Group J encounter, knowing a draw would send them both through at the expense of Iran.

A thrilling 3-3 draw on Sunday morning was the outcome, leaving Austria second in the group and Algeria as one of the best third-placed sides.

But both sides have strongly denied this was a repeat of the 'Disgrace of Gijon' - even though conspiracy theorists argue the nature of the chaotic finish, which included two injury-time goals, felt scripted.

The Algeria skipper then slotted home what looked to be a 93rd-minute winner - a goal that would have sent Austria out and Iran through, following their 1-1 draw with Egypt

But with seconds remaining, Sasa Kalajdzic headed in a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser to make it 3-3 and send both sides into the knockout stage

Many Iranian fans felt cheated by the outcome, calling on Fifa to investigate and highlighting several moments from the game on social media to argue their case. Football followers also discussed theories over how the events had unfolded.

Austria's players were accused of "strolling around" until Algeria levelled. Some said "it was a disgrace", and "the most scripted match I've ever seen", while another fan called it "a scandal".

The game had started in sedate fashion, with Arnautovic's goal just before the half-hour mark the first shot on target.

Clips have since circulated showing both sides at 2-2 appearing to go through the motions rather than pushing for a winner.

Following Mahrez's second goal, footage has also circulated of a confrontation between the two benches, with some claiming it showed frustration that the draw had been disrupted.

A video also shows Algeria's Aissa Mandi cover his mouth and speak to Mahrez, who looked confused, with a fan tweeting that the forward was told his team would be playing against Spain in the last 32 if they won rather than Switzerland. Austria then forced a dramatic equaliser.

Austria boss Ralf Rangnick said it was "mad" to suggest there was any agreement in place to engineer a scripted draw.

He insisted the unpredictable final 15 minutes of the game in Kansas City clearly showed neither side was looking to repeat the 'Disgrace of Gijon'.

"In this match, when you have a 3-3, nobody can assume that it was an agreement, especially after what we saw during the last 90 seconds," said Rangnick.

"If, with three minutes to play, somebody had said this would happen, you would have told them they were mad.

"I've been a coach for about 40 years and I don't even remember a match that had such a dramatic course and such an unexpected trajectory.

"Most people anticipated a 0-0 or 1-1, and now it's 3-3. It's incredible - the dressing room is madness. If Alfred Hitchcock had written such a drama, I probably would have said he was completely mad."

Algeria manager Vladimir Petkovic also dismissed talk of any arrangement.

"I'm extremely happy that, at the end, it was football that won, that prevailed - 3-3 as a score says it all," he added.

Austria face Spain in the last 32 in Los Angeles on Thursday, 2 July (20:00 BST), while Algeria take on Switzerland in Vancouver on Friday, 3 July (04:00 BST).