Algeria and Austria are scheduled to meet their Group match at the 2026 World Cup.
Both federations said they have no plan to deliberately lose or slow a game to avoid meeting Spain later. The comments follow media brought up the 1982 “shame of Gijón,” when a result was allegedly arranged to protect another team.
Algeria’s coach emphasized the squad wants to win on its own merit.
Austria’s captain said the team will will focus on its own performance, not on any external scenario.
Officials noted the game will be decided on the pitch.