Egypt face Iran in their crucial final Group G match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Victory would see Egypt top Group G and progress into the Round of 32 as group winners, although a draw would be enough if Belgium fail to beat New Zealand by three or more goals.
Iran can progress as Group G winners with a win, although they can go through as runners-up if the following scenarios unfold;
- They win and Belgium beat New Zealand to finish above Iran on any of goal difference, goals scored or fair play, whilst Belgium would advance as group winners if comes down to the FIFA World Rankings due to their higher-ranked position.
- They draw against Egypt and Belgium draw against New Zealand with Iran finishing second on virtue of goals scored.
Team News
Hossam Abdelmaguid is a doubt for Egypt after he suffered concussion in their 3-1 comeback victory over New Zealand.
Hamad Fathy is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Iran have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 0-0 draw against Belgium, with Roozbeh Cheshmi (knock) considered doubtful.
When is Kick-Off?
Egypt meet Iran at Lumen Field, Seattle, USA, on Friday 26 June at 8pm PDT (4am BST, Saturday 27 June), live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Egypt’s first World Cup meeting against Iran.
- Excluding penalty shootouts, Iran are yet to lose to Egypt in all competitions (W1, D1) – having only lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw in LG Cup Four Nations Tournament in June 2000.
- Mohamed Salah has been involved in three of Egypt’s four goals – having produced one goal and two assists in two appearances.
- Iran goalkeeper, Alireza Beiranvand has made 13 saves from 15 shots on target against his goal.
Prediction
With a chance to top the group, Egypt can’t afford to get complacent because they now have the momentum after a brilliant second-half comeback against New Zealand, and this is a rare chance for them to top a World Cup group and set up an easier Round of 32 tie.
Iran though proved incredibly difficult to break down against Belgium and Beiranvand in particular proved to be like a tricky puzzle to beat, but they now ideally need to bring that extra clinical quality which they showed against New Zealand because they can win the group.
I however do think that this is set to be a tough scrap with patience required but Egypt should be good for at least a draw.
Prediction: Egypt 1-1 Iran
Result: Egypt 1-1 Iran