The World Cup journey came to a premature end for Iran and South Korea as both teams were eliminated following a fierce contest for the last available spots in the knockout phase. Despite showing promise during the group stage, neither side managed to secure advancement. Iran’s campaign concluded in a heart-wrenching manner after Austria’s late equalizer against Algeria reshaped the qualification landscape in the dying moments of the match. Riyad Mahrez had initially put Algeria ahead with a late goal, momentarily placing Iran in a position to progress, but Austria’s Sasa Kalajdzic scored deep into stoppage time, sealing Austria’s passage and ending Iran’s hopes.
Throughout the tournament, Iran remained unbeaten with three consecutive draws. However, their inability to advance was due to goal difference. Meanwhile, Senegal clinched the last third-place qualification slot, bolstered by a decisive victory in their final group match, which gave them the necessary edge.
South Korea, on the other hand, was also ousted despite an initial win in their opening game. The victory proved insufficient as subsequent results turned unfavorably against them, extinguishing their chances of moving on to the knockout rounds. This outcome prompted criticism of the team’s performance, with manager Hong Myung-bo facing increased scrutiny following the disappointing exit.
In addition to Iran and South Korea, Scotland and Uruguay were among the teams that failed to gather enough points to advance past the group stage. The expanded format of the World Cup heightened the competitive atmosphere, with qualification often hinging on slim margins right up to the final moments.