Egypt draw 1-1 with Iran to seal a place in the last 16 at the 2026 World Cup

Egypt and Iran drew 1-1 in a tight Group G clash at Lumen Field in Seattle, the US north-west venue for the 2026 World Cup holding 66,925 spectators and renowned as one of the loudest stadiums in the country. The split came at this 48-team World Cup staged by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Egypt struck first. In the 5th minute, Mohamed Saber put the Pharaohs ahead after a Trezeguet assist to get their hopes on track early. Iran, however, soon had the chance to level: in the 11th minute, Mehdi Taremi missed a penalty that could have changed the script of the game.

The Iranian response came quickly despite the missed spot-kick. In the 14th minute, Ramin Rezaeian restored parity in a rugged, fiercely contested match. From there, both teams locked into a physical battle that produced numerous bookings and few clear chances.

Hossam Hassan set Egypt up in a 4-2-3-1, with Mostafa Shobeir in goal, while Amir Ghalenoei countered with a crowded Iranian 5-4-1. The game produced a long list of yellows —Hossein Kanaani (19'), Abolfazl Nemati (43'), Saeid Ezatolahi (79') and Sina Khalilzadeh (90+4') for Iran; Mohamed Saber (20'), Yasser Ibrahim (42') and Mohamed Lasheen (90+2') for Egypt— with Mohamed Hany named player of the match.

With this draw, Egypt close Group G second on five points and qualify for the last 16, behind a leading Belgium. Iran, by contrast, finish third on three points and must await the comparison between the best third-placed teams to keep their hopes alive at the 2026 World Cup.