Austria, Algeria Reach World Cup Knockout Stage as Iran Exits Tournament

KANSAS CITY (Reuters): Austria and Algeria secured the final two places in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after an entertaining 3-3 draw on Saturday, a result that ended Iran’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.
In a dramatic Group-stage finale, both Austria and Algeria exchanged late goals to earn the point each needed to advance, while Iran was eliminated despite remaining in contention until the final whistle.
Iran required either Austria or Algeria to win the match to qualify for the knockout phase for the first time in the country’s World Cup history. However, the draw allowed both teams to move forward at Iran’s expense.
Algeria will now face Switzerland in the Round of 32 at BC Place in Vancouver on July 2, while Austria is set for a challenging clash against Spain at Los Angeles Stadium on the same day.
The completion of the group stage has finalized the Round of 32 lineup, with several high-profile encounters scheduled across North America.
Round of 32 Fixtures
South Africa vs Canada — June 28, Los Angeles Stadium
Brazil vs Japan — June 29, Houston Stadium
Germany vs Paraguay — June 29, Boston Stadium
Netherlands vs Morocco — June 29, Estadio Monterrey
Ivory Coast vs Norway — June 30, Dallas Stadium
France vs Sweden — June 30, New York/New Jersey Stadium
Mexico vs Ecuador — June 30, Mexico City Stadium
England vs DR Congo — July 1, Atlanta Stadium
Belgium vs Senegal — July 1, Seattle Stadium
United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina — July 1, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
Spain vs Austria — July 2, Los Angeles Stadium
Portugal vs Croatia — July 2, Toronto Stadium
Switzerland vs Algeria — July 2, BC Place, Vancouver
Australia vs Egypt — July 3, Dallas Stadium
Argentina vs Cape Verde — July 3, Miami Stadium
Colombia vs Ghana — July 3, Kansas City Stadium
With the group stage concluded, attention now turns to the knockout rounds as 32 teams continue their quest for World Cup glory.