A thrilling 3-3 draw between Algeria and Austria on a humid night in Kansas City secured knockout round qualification for both teams, eliminating Iran in the group stage.
The high-scoring result came at the expense of Iran, who missed out on the final 32 in dramatic fashion during the final moments of the match.
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Iran experienced brief celebrations after Riyad Mahrez scored in the third minute of stoppage time, but a late header from Sasa Kalajdzic equalized for Austria with the final action.
This qualification marks the first time Austria has reached the second round of a World Cup since 1982, while Algeria returns to the knockout stage for the first time since 2014.
Fears of a casual tempo due to FIFA's expanded 48-team format, where a draw benefited both sides, were dismissed as both teams battled intensely in front of 69,045 fans.
Austria opened the scoring in the 28th minute when defender David Alaba delivered a precise long ball to find striker Marko Arnautovic.
The 37-year-old forward controlled the ball and nudged it past Algeria goalkeeper Oussama Benbot.
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Algeria responded after Phillipp Mwene fouled Mahrez in the area, allowing right back Rafik Belghali to capitalize on the loose ball and blast a powerful shot into the roof of the net.
Austria reclaimed the lead in the 55th minute when Konrad Laimer drove down the right flank and delivered a cutback to Marcel Sabitzer, who finished easily at the far post.
