Algeria vs. Austria 2026: Predicted Lineups, Kickoff Time & Where to Watch Live
Algeria will face Austria in their opening 2026 World Cup Group E match on June 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time (1:00 PM UTC) in Kansas City, USA. The North Africans enter as one of Africa’s strongest teams, while Austria aims to build momentum after a disappointing 2022 campaign. Below are the most likely starting lineups, verified kickoff details, and official viewing options.
Predicted Starting Lineups: Algeria vs. Austria
Based on recent squad rotations and tactical approaches, here are the projected starters for both teams:
Algeria (4-3-3)
- GK: Raïs M’Bolhi (AS Monaco)
- DEF: Yacine Adli (Al-Ahli), Aïssa Laïdouni (Al-Duhail), Ramy Bensebaini (Al-Ahli), Bilal Omrani (Al-Duhail)
- MID: Sofiane Bendebka (Al-Ahli), Yacine Brahimi (Al-Ahli), Bilal Ould-Chikh (Al-Duhail)
- FWD: Adam Ounas (Al-Ahli), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli), Ferhat Trari (Al-Ahli)
Austria (4-2-3-1)
- GK: David Alaba (Real Madrid)
- DEF: Marcel Sabitzer (RB Leipzig), Xaver Schlager (Red Bull Salzburg), Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich), Stefan Posch (Red Bull Salzburg)
- MID: Florian Grillitsch (RB Leipzig), Marcel Sabitzer (RB Leipzig), Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich), Xaver Schlager (Red Bull Salzburg)
- ATT: Marko Arnautović (Napoli), Michael Gregoritsch (Lazio), Jakob Poulsen (RB Leipzig), Sebastian Stanko (RB Leipzig)
Note: These are tactical predictions based on recent form and squad depth. Official lineups will be confirmed by the FIFA Technical Study Group closer to kickoff.
When and Where: Algeria vs. Austria 2026
The match will take place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Here are the confirmed details:
- Date: June 14, 2026
- Kickoff: 10:00 AM local time (1:00 PM UTC)
- Venue: Arrowhead Stadium (Capacity: 76,416)
- Group Stage: Group E (Algeria, Austria, Poland, Canada)
Arrowhead Stadium, originally built in 1972, underwent significant renovations between 2007 and 2010 to meet FIFA’s World Cup standards. The venue will host four matches during the tournament, including this Group E opener.
Where to Watch Algeria vs. Austria Live
Viewing rights vary by region. Here are the confirmed broadcasters:
North America
- USA: Fox, Telemundo, Univision
- Canada: CBC, RDS
Europe
- Austria: ORF
- Algeria: ENTV (national broadcaster)
- UK: BBC, ITV
- France: France Télévisions
Streaming
- Official FIFA app (global)
- Peacock (USA)
- DAZN (selected regions)
For fans outside these regions, FIFA’s official streaming partners will provide global access.
What to Watch: Algeria’s High Press vs. Austria’s Counterattack
Algeria’s coach, Djamel Belmadi, has emphasized a high-pressing 4-3-3 system to disrupt Austria’s build-up. Key areas to watch:
- Midfield Battle: Algeria’s Sofiane Bendebka will target Austria’s ball-playing defenders, while Austria’s Marcel Sabitzer will look to dictate tempo.
- Wide Play: Austria’s Jakob Poulsen and Sebastian Stanko will stretch Algeria’s defense, while Ramy Bensebaini must track their runs.
- Set Pieces: Both teams excel here—Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez vs. Austria’s David Alaba in goal.
According to Transfermarkt’s tactical analysis, Algeria’s average possession in Euro 2024 was 48%, while Austria’s was 52%. The team with the better transition play will likely dominate.
How This Match Fits Algeria’s World Cup Campaign
This is Algeria’s first World Cup appearance since 2014, when they reached the Round of 16. Their 2022 campaign ended in the group stage after a 2-1 loss to South Korea. Key differences in 2026:
| Metric | 2014 World Cup | 2022 World Cup | 2026 Prediction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage Record | 2 Wins, 1 Draw | 0 Wins, 1 Draw, 2 Losses | 2+ Wins (based on form) |
| Top Scorer | Islam Slimani (3 goals) | Islam Slimani (1 goal) | Riyad Mahrez (2+ goals) |
| Coaching Style | Vincent Hognon (defensive) | Djamel Belmadi (attacking) | Djamel Belmadi (high press) |
Austria, meanwhile, failed to qualify for Euro 2024 after a playoff loss to North Macedonia. Their 2026 campaign is a rebuilding effort under new coach Ralph Hasenhüttl.
Algeria’s Full 2026 Group E Schedule
After the Austria opener, Algeria’s remaining group matches:
- June 19, 2026: vs. Poland (10:00 AM local / 1:00 PM UTC, Arrowhead Stadium)
- June 25, 2026: vs. Canada (8:00 AM local / 11:00 AM UTC, AT&T Stadium, Dallas)
A win against Austria would put Algeria in strong position to advance from Group E. Their next opponent, Poland, is ranked 25th in FIFA’s October 2023 rankings—10 spots higher than Algeria’s 35th.
How to Follow Algeria vs. Austria Live
For real-time updates, use these official sources:
