Mahrez's Late Magic Sends Algeria–Austria into Thriller; Croatia Edges Ghana

Algeria and Austria delivered the day's most electric finish at Arrowhead Stadium, where the sides traded blows in a 3–3 stalemate that saw the pendulum swing repeatedly. Austria struck first through Marko Arnautovic in the 28th minute, but Rafik Belghali equalized before halftime. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's lead in the 55th, only for Riyad Mahrez to level once more just five minutes later. In stoppage time, Mahrez authored a stunning rescue, netting his second in the 90th+3rd minute—only for Sasa Kalajdzic to snatch a last-gasp reply in the 90th+6th. Mahrez's two-goal performance proved decisive in a chaotic final spell. Across the country at Lincoln Financial Field, Croatia claimed a 2–1 win over Ghana behind Petar Sucic's opening goal and a clinching strike from Nikola Vlasic, who sealed matters in the 83rd minute despite Derrick Luckassen's Ghana response. Both results leave their respective groups wide open heading into the next round.