Iran has been eliminated from 2026 World Cup

Tehran - BORNA -  Iran's national team, after securing three draws against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in the group stage, was waiting to see which eight third-placed teams would advance to the knockout stage. Ultimately, with Croatia and Congo defeating Ghana and Uzbekistan respectively, and a draw between Austria and Algeria, Iran lost its chance to advance and was eliminated from the tournament.

Iran's path to the knockout stage depended on one of three scenarios: "Croatia losing to Ghana," "Uzbekistan drawing or beating Congo," or "a winner emerging from the Austria-Algeria match." However, on Saturday night, Croatia defeated Ghana, and early Sunday, Uzbekistan lost to Congo. In the final group-stage match, dramatic and strange events unfolded: Austria took the lead against Algeria but quickly conceded. In the second half, Austria went ahead again, but within five minutes, the match was once again level.

With 20 minutes remaining, both teams had completely dropped back, passing the ball in their own halves to maintain the draw. In the 90+4th minute, Algeria scored a third goal. With that result, Iran would have advanced. However, just seconds before the final whistle, Austria scored a third equalizer, eliminating Iran from the tournament.

Congo, Sweden, Ecuador, Ghana, Bosnia, Algeria, Paraguay, and Senegal are the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the World Cup knockout stage, in that order.

End Article