Iran suffer as Austria banish 72-year World Cup ghost

Austria and Algeria played out a dramatic 3-3 draw to progress to the knockout stage of the World Cup and, in the process, eliminated Iran from the competition.

Iran finished third in their World Cup group; however, they did not finish among the eight best third-place teams, as Senegal progressed due to a superior goal difference.

The African nation was the only team to make it to the knockouts by collecting only three points from their group-stage fixtures.

Iran drew their three fixtures to finish third in a group that saw Belgium and Egypt progress to the knockouts.

The Asian nation were eliminated in heart-breaking circumstances, as they will have believed that Riyad Mahrez’s 93rd minute goal for Algeria to make it 3-2 would have sent them through on goal difference, climbing above Austria in the table for the best-placed teams that finished third.

Sasa Kalajdzic #14 of Austria celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Algeria and Austria (Getty Images)

However, there would be time for a dramatic finish as Austria equalised three minutes later to ensure they progressed to the knockouts alongside their North African opponents, who both finished on a tally of four points thanks to the results they collected in the group stage.

As Sasa Kalajdzic netted to secure the point and Austria’s progression, he managed to banish a ghost that had been lingering around the nation’s football team since 1954.

This goal means Austria will compete in the knockouts for the first time in 72 years, as they have not got out of the group stage in any of the five World Cups they have qualified for, according to Opta Stats.

Ralf Rangnick and his side will be hopeful of similar success to the 1954 and 1934 World Cups, as they finished third and fourth, respectively.

Austria will now face Spain in the round of 32 on July 2 in Inglewood, while their opponents, Algeria, will square off with Switzerland in Vancouver on the same date.