Lead

The Democratic Republic of Congo reached the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup for the first time on Saturday, while Iran's rollercoaster campaign ended in elimination, as the expanded group phase concluded with a chaotic finale.

DR Congo's 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Atlanta secured third place in Group K and set up a clash with England in the next round, as reported by Africa News and Dawn. Algeria advanced after an extraordinary 3-3 draw with Austria, a result that also dashed Iran's hopes, according to Dawn.

Coverage comparison

Africa News and Dawn both reported on the dramatic final day of the group stage, with each outlet highlighting different aspects of the action. Africa News focused on the historic performance of African teams, noting that nine of the ten African teams qualified for the knockout stage, with only Tunisia failing to advance. The outlet described the achievement as a record, surpassing the previous mark of two African teams in the knockout stage, set in 2014 and 2022.

Dawn, meanwhile, placed emphasis on the underdog stories and the chaotic nature of the finale. The outlet detailed how Iran's fate hinged on the Austria-Algeria match, with Iran needing a winner to advance. Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez scored in the third minute of stoppage time to put Algeria ahead, but Austria's Sasa Kalajdzic equalised deep into injury time, sparking scenes of celebration and despair in equal measure.

Both outlets reported the same core facts: DR Congo's win, Algeria's draw, and Iran's elimination. They also noted the broader context of African teams' success, with Cape Verde enjoying a debut campaign to remember, finishing second in Group H.

Key claims

  • Nine of ten African teams advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup, as reported by Africa News and Dawn.
  • The previous record for African teams in the knockout stage was two, a mark set in 2014 and 2022, according to Africa News.
  • DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1, with Fiston Mayele scoring in the 78th minute and Yoane Wissa scoring a penalty and a stoppage-time goal, as reported by Africa News and Dawn.
  • Algeria drew 3-3 with Austria, with Riyad Mahrez scoring a stoppage-time goal that briefly put Algeria ahead, as reported by Dawn.
  • Iran was eliminated from the tournament after the draw, as reported by Dawn.
  • Lionel Messi scored six goals in three matches, taking his tournament tally, as reported by Dawn.
  • England won 2-0 against Panama, and Croatia won 2-1 against Ghana, as part of the day's other results, as reported by Dawn.
  • Scotland was also eliminated, according to Dawn.
Africa News noted that Morocco and South Africa were the first African teams to book their spots, with South Africa advancing for the first time in their history. Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, finished second in Group H ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Perspectives

DR Congo forward Fiston Mayele expressed pride in his team's achievement, saying: "It's really historic for our country. It's the first win and the first knockout stage." He added: "Today, I have to be proud here, and almost everywhere in my country, everyone is happy with what we did. We're proud to be Congolese, and I think we will keep going."

Austria midfielder Marcel Sabitzer described the dramatic ending as "weird," telling Dawn: "It's a draw normally, so you think you go through and then one moment from Algeria. We did it and we were very lucky at the end, but very happy about that."

DR Congo striker Yoane Wissa also reflected on the team's fighting spirit, saying: "We love our national team. We love what we represent. I think tonight we just showed what it means for us is just to fight no matter what."