Iran’s World Cup hopes ended Saturday after Austria and Algeria drew 3-3 in Group J, sending both teams into the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
Iran needed either Austria or Algeria to win after drawing 1-1 with Egypt in Seattle and missing automatic qualification.
The final Group J scenario left Iran dependent on the Austria-Algeria result. An Austria win or an Algeria win would have kept Iran alive in the third-place standings.
Riyad Mahrez briefly put Algeria ahead in stoppage time with his second goal of the match. The goal appeared to reopen Iran’s path.
However, Sasa Kalajdzic headed Austria level less than three minutes later. The equaliser restored the draw and knocked Iran out.
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Austria finished second in Group J with four points and a better goal difference. Algeria also finished on four points and advanced as a third-place qualifier.
Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in the other Group J match and finished top of the group with nine points. Lionel Messi scored after coming on in the second half.
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Argentina will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday, July 3.
Austria will play Spain at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 2. Algeria will face Switzerland at BC Place in Vancouver later the same day.
