The final day of the expanded group stage delivered high drama as Austria and Algeria secured the last two places in the Round of 32 after playing out a thrilling 3-3 draw in Group J. The result eliminated Iran, which needed either team to win in order to progress.
Iran briefly appeared destined for qualification when Riyad Mahrez gave Algeria a 3-2 lead in stoppage time. However, Austrian striker Sasa Kalajdzic scored a dramatic equaliser in the sixth minute of added time, ensuring both Austria and Algeria advanced while Iran exited the tournament.
Meanwhile, DR Congo recorded their first-ever World Cup victory by beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta. The historic win secured third place in Group K and set up a Round of 32 clash against England.
After the match, DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa dedicated the achievement to the people of his country.
"We love our national team. We love what we represent. It s not easy in our country. There s a war in eastern Congo. Every time we wear this shirt, we think about them," he said.
The result continued an impressive tournament for African nations, with nine of the ten participating teams progressing to the knockout stage. Tunisia was the only African side eliminated in the group phase.
Elsewhere, Lionel Messi scored his sixth goal of the tournament as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 despite already having secured top spot in Group J. Messi came off the bench to score, extending his World Cup career tally to a record 19 goals.
England also booked their place in the knockout rounds as Group L winners after defeating Panama 2-0. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring before setting up Harry Kane for England s second goal, earning the Three Lions a Round of 32 meeting with DR Congo.
England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his side s patience against a disciplined Panama team.
"It was what we expected: a tough match against a physical opponent. They are a difficult team to score against, and we created enough chances to deserve the win," he said.
Croatia finished second in Group L after beating Ghana 2-1, with goals from Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic. The victory also confirmed Scotland s elimination from the tournament, prompting head coach Steve Clarke to resign.
In another key fixture, Colombia held Portugal to a goalless draw to finish top of Group K. Portugal, which needed a victory to claim first place, will now face Croatia in the Round of 32, with a potential last-16 meeting against European champions Spain.
