Egypt became the second Arab team to qualify for the Round of 32 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a 1-1 draw with Iran at Seattle Stadium on June 27. The result, combined with Belgium's 5-1 victory over New Zealand, left Egypt second in Group G with five points, while Iran finished third with three points.
Match Summary
Egypt entered the match full of confidence after their first World Cup win, a 3-1 victory over New Zealand, which put them top of the group with four points. Iran, with two draws, were third, while Belgium also had two points but a better goal difference.
Iran started strongly but fell behind after just five minutes. Mahmoud Saber capitalized on excellent work from Mohamed Salah to fire through a crowd of defenders and give Egypt an early lead. However, Iran were awarded a penalty four minutes later, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a brilliant save to deny Mehdi Taremi.
Shobeir made another save on 14 minutes, stopping a low shot from Milad Mohammadi, but Ramin Rezaeian pounced on the rebound to score from a tight angle, leveling the match at 1-1.
Second Half Action
Both teams kept an eye on the other Group G match, where Belgium took the lead against New Zealand. Trezeguet was Egypt's main threat from the left wing, but clear chances were scarce in the first half.
Iran started the second half brightly, with Saeid Ezatolahi firing over the bar within a minute. Egypt responded with a Trezeguet effort from a Salah pass, easily gathered by Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. Another Salah-to-Trezeguet combination led to a desperate block from the Iranian defense, with Mohanad Lasheen heading wide from the resulting corner.
Salah was substituted in the 56th minute, appearing injured, replaced by Zizo. Egypt relied on Trezeguet, Mostafa Zico, and second-half substitute Omar Marmoush to threaten Iran's goal.
Late Drama and Qualification
With Belgium leading 3-0 over New Zealand, Egypt needed a goal to top the group. The match seemed to be ending quietly until stoppage time, when Shoja Khalilzadeh scored for Iran, sparking wild celebrations—only for the goal to be ruled offside by VAR.
The draw was enough for Egypt to secure second place in Group G, setting up a Round of 32 match against Australia in Dallas next week. Iran must wait until the end of the group stages to learn their fate.
Morocco, the other Arab team in the tournament, finished second in their group and will face the Netherlands.
