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The joy of Iran’s Channel 2 broadcasters turned to deep shock within minutes as they momentarily believed their country had qualified for the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup before the tables were turned in the dying moments of the Algeria-Austria match.
The widely shared video showed two broadcasters watching the match live in a studio as Algeria took a 3-2 lead in the third minute of stoppage time through star Riyad Mahrez, enough to send Iran through to the next round.
In the moment of joy, one of the presenters said with clear enthusiasm. “Oh Hussein, our next match is against Switzerland on Saturday.”
But the joy was short-lived as Austria equalized in the 6th minute of stoppage time to end the match 3-3, while Iran crashed out of the tournament after an earlier 1-1 draw with Egypt.
A look of shock and disappointment appeared on the hosts’ faces as the final whistle blew, in a scene widely documented by followers on social media.
