DR Congo Advance, Iran Eliminated as Dramatic World Cup Group Stage Concludes

DR Congo reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time on Saturday, while Iran's dramatic campaign ended in heartbreak as a thrilling conclusion to the expanded group phase produced more late twists.

The final day of group-stage action saw Austria and Algeria claim the last two places in the Round of 32 after playing out a remarkable 3-3 draw in Group J, a result that eliminated Iran.

Iran had needed either Austria or Algeria to win to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. For a brief moment, that scenario looked set to unfold when Riyad Mahrez fired Algeria into a 3-2 lead in the third minute of stoppage time.

However, Austria snatched qualification in dramatic fashion when Sasa Kalajdzic headed home in the sixth minute of added time to level the match, sparking wild celebrations in Kansas City and ending Iran's hopes.

"It was strange," Austria midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, who scored his side's second goal, said afterward.

"You think a draw isn't enough, then Algeria score, and suddenly everything changes. In the end we were fortunate, but we're delighted."

The day's drama also featured another fairytale story as DR Congo joined fellow African surprise package Cape Verde in the knockout stage with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan.

The win in Atlanta, DR Congo's first-ever World Cup victory, secured third place in Group K and booked a Round-of-32 clash with England.

"We love our national team. We love what we represent," striker Yoane Wissa said. "Tonight we showed what it means to us—to keep fighting no matter what."

DR Congo's qualification capped an outstanding tournament for Africa, with nine of the continent's 10 representatives progressing to the knockout rounds. Tunisia were the only African side to miss out.

Messi scores again

Elsewhere, Lionel Messi continued his dazzling form, coming off the bench to score his sixth goal in three matches as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1.

Already assured of first place in Group J after victories over Austria and Algeria, Argentina comfortably overcame the already-eliminated Jordanians in Arlington, Texas.

Messi's goal also extended his all-time World Cup scoring record to 19.

England, meanwhile, secured top spot in Group L with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Panama at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute before setting up Harry Kane five minutes later, sending England into a Round-of-32 meeting with DR Congo.

"It was what we expected—a tough match against a physical opponent," England manager Thomas Tuchel said.

"They're difficult to break down, but we created plenty of chances and deserved the two goals."

Croatia sealed second place in the group with a 2-1 victory over Ghana in Philadelphia, thanks to goals from Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic, while Ghana finished third.

The result also ended Scotland's slim hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams, prompting manager Steve Clarke to resign after the team's elimination.

In Miami, Portugal and Colombia played out a goalless draw that left Colombia top of Group K.

Portugal needed a win to finish first and secure a potentially easier knockout path, but despite an entertaining contest, they had to settle for a point. Colombia nearly snatched victory in stoppage time before a marginal offside decision ruled out what would have been the winning goal.

Portugal will now face Croatia in the Round of 32, with a possible last-16 showdown against European champions Spain awaiting the winner.