Egypt draw with IR Iran and set up Round of 16 clash with Australia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Pharaohs, already qualified, squandered a big opportunity, while the Persian Cheetahs still dream of advancing as the best third-placed team.

Egypt dropped a big chance after drawing 1-1 with IR Iran in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Pharaohs, who had already made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time, let the Group G top spot slip away and finished on five points.

They will now face the Australia on July 3 in Dallas, because the Socceroos finished second in Group D and the Egyptians finished second in this group.

Egypt were also fortunate, as Iran had two goals disallowed during the match.

The draw was not enough for top spot, as Belgium, level on points, edged them on goal difference after a commanding 5-1 win over New Zealand.

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PROMISING START

The side coached by Hossam Hassan started with intensity and high pressing, striking early. In the 5th minute, Mahmoud Saber opened the scoring following a move orchestrated by Mohamed Salah, once again the focal point of Egypt’s attack.

Iran responded immediately: in the 8th minute, referee Szymon Marciniak awarded a penalty after a foul by Abdel Monem on Mehdi Taremi, but the Iranian forward saw his effort saved by Mostafa Shobeir in the 11th minute.

However, Iran’s pressure paid off in the 14th minute when Ramin Rezaeian capitalized on a rebound to make it 1-1 in a frantic start to the match.

DRAMATIC FINISH

As the game progressed, Egypt regained control through Salah’s experience and the influence of Trezeguet, but lacked the cutting edge to break the deadlock. In the second half, Iran dropped deeper and held firm, while Hassan turned to his bench—substituting Salah in the 67th minute in search of fresh attacking energy.

The closing moments brought one final twist, as a goal by Shoja Khalilzadeh in the 90+6th minute was ruled out, preserving the 1-1 draw. It marked Iran's second disallowed goal of the tournament, following Mehdi Taremi's overturned strike against Belgium.

The drama was matched only by the disappointment, as Iran came within inches of a memorable victory that could still prove meaningful if results go their way.

With the draw, Egypt confirmed a Round of 16 clash with Australia, while Iran remain in contention to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams—a result that would send them to the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.