Iran and South Korea fail to advance in World Cup after dramatic finish
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 28, 2026, 4:27 AM
Last updated Jun 28, 2026
Iran and South Korea were eliminated from the World Cup after the final group stage matches on June 28, 2026. Iran looked poised to advance when Algeria scored in the 93rd minute against Austria, leading 3-2, but a last-minute equalizer by Sasa Kalajdzic in the 96th minute denied them a place in the last 32. South Korea, despite winning their opening match, also missed out on advancing, joining Scotland and Uruguay in the disappointment of not progressing.
- •Iran eliminated after Austria's late equalizer vs. Algeria
- •South Korea finishes group stage without advancing
- •Algeria led 3-2 before Kalajdzic's 96th-minute goal
- •Scotland and Uruguay also miss out on last 32
- •Match concluded after all 72 group stage games
- 4:27 AMThe Guardian Sport — Iran and South Korea miss out on World Cup last 32 in dramatic third-place race
"Iran denied in final seconds of Austria’s draw with Algeria South Korea out despite victory in their opening match The race for third-place teams reaching the last 32 of the World Cup went down to the wire and the dying seconds of the final match of the 72-game group stage, with Iran and South Korea eventually joining Scotland and Uruguay in missing out. Iran appeared to be going through at the expense of Austria after Riyad Mahrez scored in the 93rd minute to put Algeria 3-2 up in their rollercoaster game against Ralf Rangnick’s side in Kansas City. But in the 96th minute Sasa Kalajdzic turned home an equaliser for Austria that saved their World Cup and meant despair for Iran. Continue reading...
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