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.
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.
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.
The tactical pattern continued as Algeria pushed forward out of desperation, resulting in a 60th-minute equalizer from Mahrez following a brilliant run and assist by Houssem Aouar.
Late Drama Seals Group Stage Fate
Following a brief period of passive sideways passing after the second-half hydration break, the match exploded into a chaotic finale in the closing minutes.
Mahrez appeared to secure a dramatic victory for Algeria by scoring late, sending the majority of the crowd into wild celebrations.
However, the 28-year-old Wolves striker Kalajdzic, who entered the pitch as a substitute just a minute prior, rose to meet a desperation cross to seal the 3-3 draw.
