In a World Cup already grappling with the unintended consequences of FIFA’s expanded format, Sunday night’s Group J fixture between Austria and Algeria in Kansas City has been branded the potential ‘Disgrace of Kansas City’ — a reference to the infamous 1982 ‘Disgrace of Gijon’ — because both sides may actively seek to lose the match.
FIFA’s decision to swell the tournament from 32 to 48 teams, increasing the number of groups from eight to 12, means finishing third no longer guarantees elimination. That rule change has created a perverse incentive: the winner of Sunday’s clash at Arrowhead Stadium will face Spain in the last 32, a tie many expect Luis de la Fuente’s side to navigate comfortably. Spain topped Group H with seven points, having thrashed Saudi Arabia 4-0 and drawn goalless with Cape Verde.
“Austria and Algeria may lose on purpose in Kansas City to avoid facing Spain in the last 32.”
With Argentina already confirmed as group winners and Jordan eliminated on the head-to-head rule, the outcome of Austria vs Algeria will determine second or third place. Whichever side wins will be rewarded with a meeting against the 2010 world champions — a prospect neither team appears eager to embrace.
Boston University economics professor Florian Ederer summed up the absurdity on social media: “90 minutes of passive passing around at the back, 0-0 draw guarantees that both teams go through… and nobody wants to win because they have to play Spain in R32!” The tweet harks back to the ‘Disgrace of Gijon’ 44 years ago, when Austria deliberately lost 1-0 to West Germany at the 1982 World Cup.
The match, scheduled for Sunday night in Kansas City, has been widely criticised on social media as a potential farce. FIFA’s rule amendment has not only produced so-called ‘dead rubbers’ but now threatens the competitive integrity of the knockout stages. For Austria and Algeria, victory might be the worst result of all.