Algeria and Austria meet in Kansas City with a knockout place on the line

The final round of Group J fixtures pits Algeria against Austria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with a place in the round of 32 hanging in the balance. With Argentina already through as group winners, this is effectively a play-off for the runner-up spot.

What's at stake

Algeria sit second on four points with a goal difference of +1 after their dramatic comeback win over Jordan, and a draw would be enough to send them through. Austria, on a single point and a -2 goal difference following defeats by Argentina and a narrow win over Jordan, must win to have any chance of advancing, likely needing to overturn the goal-difference gap too.

Form and prediction

Algeria carry momentum from their resilient recovery against Jordan, with Riyad Mahrez and Amine Gouiri providing the cutting edge. Austria showed organisation and fight against the holders but lacked a finishing touch in front of goal. Needing the win, Vincenzo's-style caution will be cast aside for an open contest.

Prediction: expect Austria to push hard early, but Algeria's set-piece threat and the lower bar of needing only a draw should see them edge through. A 1-1 draw feels likely, enough to send Algeria into the knockouts.