Algeria vs Austria is a rivalry riddled within the history of the World Cup. A hatred which has spanned over 44 years and will finally see a sequel in Kansas City at 9pm local time on June 27 (3am BST June 28).

Ralf Rangnick's Austria enter the tie ahead of the Algerians via goal difference in Group J. Argentina have already confirmed their place as group Inners, with debutants Jordan unfortunately bowing out after straight defeats.

Both sides have had almost identical starts to the tournament, getting the better of the Jordanians and falling victim to the magic of Lionel Messi who leads the way for the 2026 World Cup golden boot.

However, both teams may favour a third place finish over second to give them an easier outing in the knockout stages. Group J are the final group to play their closing games before the knockout stages, meaning almost all other third place teams will be confirmed beforehand. 

Second place in Group J will face winners of Group H and reigning European Champions Spain who have yet to concede so far in the tournament, only dropping points to an inspiring Cape Verde side.

Assuming both teams perform to their highest standard, Rangnick will be looking to enforce his high-energy pressing nature to overwhelm the individual technical ability of the Algerian side.

Vladimir Petkovic will look to play through the Austrian press much like the Argentines previously did. The Algerians need to improve their overall quality in the final third after they struggled to create clear-cut chances against Jordan in the first half.

With the tie fast approaching, a fierce rivalry between Algeria and Austria will come full circle as a loophole within the World Cup rules calls back on a story of 44 years, known as The Disgrace of Gijon.

The 1982 World Cup saw an impressive run from tournament underdogs Algeria who had the chance of making it out of their group consisting of Chile, West Germany and Austria.

The final game of the group would see Austria let West Germany beat them in an effortless 1-0 win after an early goal and minimal effort from either team to ensure both teams qualifying and leaving a hard-done-by Algerian side to go home, despite beating powerhouses West Germany previously in the group.

The game was the reason for the final games of each group to be played at the same time, to ensure that teams futures were not entirely guaranteed before the match.

Since that day, the Austrian national team has been frowned upon within Algerian football. They have a chance of revenge and both teams will be looking at their possible knockout opponents with concern.

At the time of writing, Austria are set to face Spain in the Round of 32 if they remain in second place, meanwhile, Algeria in third place are set to face Switzerland in a much more favourable draw.

Mohammed Amoura of Wolfsburg remains an absentee for Algeria. He will be a huge miss in what is expected to be a fast paced tie after suffering a hamstring injury earlier in the tournament.

Premier League winner Riyad Mahrez took his place with the 35-year-old proving to be an important part to Les Fennecs as he bagged an assist in Algeria's comeback against Jordan.

Austria could see change in their offensive line as well after being limited to zero open play shots on target against the Argentinians. 

The Austrians were limited to poor set pieces where the presence of Sasa Kalajdzic was certainly missing. Standing at 6ft7 (200cm) the big striker could be a key asset in converting chances against the Algerians.

Ralf Rangnick could also opt for newly assigned Austrian Carney Chukwuemeka, who has yet to have the concrete impact to Das Team. His Premier League experience could be a vital asset in Austria's push to get the win.

Algeria 0-0 Austria

A strange dynamic heading into the game where both sides would probably favour a knockout game avoiding Spain. With both sides' place in the knockout rounds potentially confirmed by the time kickoff arrives, neither will be looking to take too many risks and potentially cause injury before the Round of 32 comes around.