Why Algeria vs. Austria is the 2026 World Cup's bi...

For forty-four years, Algeria has carried a grudge. In nineteen eighty-two, they were eliminated from the World Cup after West Germany and Austria played out a suspicious one-nil result that advanced Germany at Algeria's expense. That controversial match—now called the Disgrace of Gijón—sparked outrage and changed World Cup rules forever. In two thousand twenty-six, Algeria will finally face Austria. According to ESPN, this rematch could settle one of soccer's longest-standing scores—a chance for Algeria to confront the team that was part of their historic World Cup heartbreak nearly half a century ago.

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