Iran kept their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 alive after battling Egypt to a 1-1 draw in their final Group G clash in Seattle on Friday.
Already assured of a place in the knockout stage, Egypt made a flying start, taking the lead inside five minutes. Mohamed Salah’s left-footed effort fell kindly to Mahmoud Saber, who calmly slotted home from close range.
Iran responded swiftly, with Ramin Rezaeian drawing his side level in the 14th minute after squeezing a clinical finish past the Egyptian goalkeeper from a tight angle.
The contest remained fiercely contested for much of the game. Iran thought they had snatched a dramatic stoppage-time winner after striking the woodwork before Khalilzadeh converted the rebound. However, a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside, denying the Iranians a crucial victory.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei lamented his side’s misfortune after the match.
“Over these three matches, we did not get the reward for our efforts. Footballing justice was not on our side.”
Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, who earlier saved an early penalty from Mehdi Taremi, said his team’s attention had already shifted to the knockout stage.
“We will celebrate tonight and then, starting tomorrow, we are going to start preparing for Australia.”
Iran, who finished third in the group on three points, must now wait to discover whether they will progress as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.
Egypt finished second with five points, behind Belgium on goal difference, and will face Australia in Dallas on July 3 after reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
