Match preview

Algeria meet Austria in a group stage Group J tie at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Algeria return to the World Cup after missing 2018 and 2022, their first appearance since 2014. The Desert Foxes, 2019 African champions, are led by talisman Riyad Mahrez. They will look to recapture their impressive last-16 run from a decade ago.

Austria arrive with their own ambitions. Austria reach their first World Cup since 1998, transformed under coach Ralf Rangnick into an aggressive, high-pressing side. Das Team impressed at Euro 2024 and play an energetic modern brand of football. Their qualification ends a long absence.

Key players