Egypt Reach Round of 32 After Tense 1-1 Draw With Iran
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتساب
Egypt booked their place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a tense 1-1 draw with Iran in their final Group G match in Seattle. The result was enough for Egypt to finish second in the group with five points, behind Belgium, and set up a knockout meeting with Australia.
Egypt made a fast start, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Mahmoud Saber after an early Iranian mistake. Iran responded quickly, with Ramin Rezaeian equalizing in the 14th minute after Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir had initially saved a penalty.
The match remained tense until the final moments, especially as Iran pushed for a winning goal that would have transformed its qualification hopes. In stoppage time, Iran thought it had scored a dramatic late winner through Shoja Khalilzadeh, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review, leaving the score at 1-1.
For Egypt, the draw completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign: a draw with Belgium, a win over New Zealand, and now a draw with Iran. It also marks a major step for Hossam Hassan’s side, which reached the knockout stage after navigating one of the more competitive groups of the tournament.
The only concern for Egypt was Mohamed Salah, who asked to be substituted in the second half because of a physical problem. Coach Hossam Hassan said Salah would be assessed by the medical staff, while adding that he did not believe the issue was serious.
Egypt will now face Australia in the Round of 32 in Dallas on July 3, a match that gives the Pharaohs a fresh chance to extend their historic run. Australia secured its own place in the knockout stage, and the meeting with Egypt will be the first between the two teams at a World Cup.
Iran, meanwhile, finished third in Group G with three points from three draws and must wait to see whether it can qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. The late disallowed goal left the Iranian squad frustrated after coming so close to a result that could have changed its tournament path.
For Egypt, the night ended with relief, pride and a clear challenge ahead: recover physically, monitor Salah’s condition, and prepare for a knockout match that could open the door to an even deeper World Cup run.
