FIFA World Cup 2026: Egypt reach knockouts as IR Iran await fate

Egypt secured their place in the FIFA World Cup™ knockout phase for the first time in their history after a frantic draw with IR Iran, who must now wait to discover whether the point is enough to send them through as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.

The Pharaohs will now face Australia in the Round of 32 as Group G runners-up, while IR Iran’s World Cup fate hinges on the outcome of the remaining games in Groups J, K and L.

Egypt made the perfect start as Mahmoud Saber converted from close range after Alireza Beiranvand could only parry Mohamed Salah’s deflected strike.

IR Iran were handed a golden opportunity to level in the ninth minute when Mehdi Taremi won a penalty after being fouled by Mohamed Abdelmonem, but Mostafa Shobeir saved his spot-kick.

Shobeir pulled off an even better save to stop Milad Mohammadi finding the bottom corner, only to see Ramin Rezaeian react fastest to the loose ball and equalise from the tightest of angles.

Shobeir’s fine first-half display was almost undone on the stroke of half-time when he completely misjudged a cross. Luckily for him, Shoja Khalilzadeh headed wide.

Egypt controlled possession for long spells after the break, aware Belgium’s lead over New Zealand in the other Group G game could determine their final group placing.

IR Iran came close to a dramatic late winner that would have moved them above Hossam Hassan’s team into second, but Shojae Khalilzadeh’s stoppage-time strike was ruled out for offside after a VAR review, before Shobeir saved from Saeid Ezatolahi. (FIFA)