Image: from TRT World Now X @TRTWorldNow
By Open Chronicle
SEATTLE, United States, June 26, 2026, Egypt secured a historic place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after drawing 1,1 with Iran in a dramatic Group G finale at Lumen Field.
The result was enough for the Pharaohs to finish second in the group with five points, behind Belgium, who defeated New Zealand 5,1 to claim top spot. Iran, which needed a victory to advance, ended their campaign in third place with three points after another heartbreaking group stage exit.
A fast start produces early goals
Egypt made the perfect start, taking the lead after just five minutes. Mohamed Salah forced Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand into a save, and Mahmoud Saber reacted quickest to score from the rebound.
Iran had an immediate opportunity to equalize when Mehdi Taremi won a penalty four minutes later. However, Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced an excellent save to deny the former FC Porto striker.
The setback did not discourage Iran. In the 14th minute, Ramin Rezaeian capitalized on another rebound after Shobeir made an initial stop, bringing the score level at 1,1.
Following the explosive opening quarter of an hour, the match settled into a more balanced contest, although Egypt gradually controlled possession. Mahmoud Saber tested the Iranian defense from distance on several occasions, while Shoja Khalilzadeh headed narrowly wide in the first half stoppage time.
Egypt dominates, but Iran threatens late
The Pharaohs controlled much of the second half and came close to restoring their lead through Trezeguet shortly after the restart.
With news filtering through that Belgium was comfortably leading New Zealand, Iran became increasingly desperate, pushing forward in search of the victory that would send them into the Round of 32.
The dramatic finale almost delivered the breakthrough. In the third minute of stoppage time, Khalilzadeh found the net from a set piece, only for VAR to rule the goal out for an extremely narrow offside decision.
Iran continued to press until the final whistle and came within inches of a winner in the 97th minute when Saeid Ezatolahi struck the crossbar, but Egypt held firm to secure a landmark qualification.
Historic achievement for Egypt
The draw sends Egypt into the knockout phase of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history. Hossam Hassan’s side will now face Australia in the Round of 32 in Seattle.
For Iran, the result extends a long-standing frustration, as they once again fall short of reaching the knockout rounds despite a determined performance and a dramatic finish.