Iran and South Korea have been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic final day of group-stage matches, with both teams missing out on the last 32 in a thrilling third-place race.
Iran's heartbreak in final seconds
Iran appeared to be advancing at the expense of Austria after Riyad Mahrez scored in the 93rd minute to put Algeria 3-2 up in their rollercoaster match against Ralf Rangnick's side in Kansas City. However, in the 96th minute, Sasa Kalajdzic turned home an equalizer for Austria, saving their World Cup and sealing Iran's despair.
Iran can feel particularly hard done by, as they exit undefeated after three draws in Group G. According to official tournament data, they are the only team eliminated without a loss. The only third-place team to advance with three points is Senegal, whose 5-0 win over Iraq in their final group game provided a decisive goal-difference boost.
South Korea out despite opening victory
Results earlier in the day confirmed South Korea's exit, despite winning their opening game against Czechia. The criticism in the country has been fierce, with head coach Hong Myung-bo firmly in the firing line. Yonhap News Agency called South Korea's premature exit "dismal" and added: "The national team suffered the humiliation of a 2026 World Cup group-stage exit after three days of agonising hope."
South Korea's tournament was overshadowed by a row between the squad and local media, while a drone also buzzed a crucial training session before their defeat to Mexico.
Scotland and Uruguay also miss out
Scotland also miss out after their troubled campaign, which resulted in Steve Clarke resigning as head coach. Uruguay's exit was confirmed after their defeat to Spain on Friday. In total, four third-place teams—Iran, South Korea, Scotland, and Uruguay—failed to reach the last 32.
