Austria and Algeria played out a thrilling 3-3 draw on Saturday, a result ​that perfectly suited both sides, sending them into the World Cup last 32 and ending Iran's hopes of reaching the knockout stage as one of the best ‌third-placed teams.

Iran finish third, and have a long wait ahead of them to see if they will qualify as one of the best third placed finishers.

Join our writers for all the latest news as we look back at the group stage and preview the last 32 matches

How Scotland and Iran missed out on World Cup knockout stages - Scotland have missed out on the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup

Ninth-best third-place finisher, Iran was eliminated from the World Cup after experiencing a very particular tournament, notably marked by visa problems and a ban on setting up its base camp in the