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.
Riyad Mahrez puts Al Ahli back in front in the Sea Derby v Al Ittihad
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.
