Iran denied guaranteed spot in last 32 as VAR disallow injury-time winner

In a dramatic finish, Iran missed out on an automatic spot in the round of 32 due to a controversial VAR decision disallowing Shoja Khalilzadeh's injury-time goal. This twist means Iran now hangs their hopes on becoming one of the best third-placed teams to advance. The decision has sparked discussions on the role of VAR in crucial moments, emphasizing its impact on tournament outcomes and the potential for future rule changes. Fans and analysts are left to debate the implications of this decision on Iran's journey in the competition.