The Pharaohs have rewritten the history books. Egypt have secured their place in the knockout stages of a World Cup for the very first time, booking a historic spot in the last 32 as Group G runners-up following a dramatic 1-1 draw with Iran at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Going into their final group fixture, Egypt knew their progression to the knockout phase was mathematically guaranteed thanks to Saturday’s earlier results, but a hard-fought point ensured they finished second behind Belgium on goal difference. It was a weekend of celebration across the globe, with England, Portugal, Ghana, and Paraguay also confirming their spots in the next round. Under the expanded 2026 tournament format, the eight best third-placed teams advance. All five nations reached a threshold of four points, a tally that teams completing their campaigns in third place in Group A (South Korea), Group C (Scotland), Group H (Uruguay), and Group I (Senegal) can no longer surpass.
The Pharaohs started brightly in the United States, taking the lead after just five minutes when Mahmoud Saber found the back of the net. However, the match quickly turned into a frantic affair. Iran were awarded a penalty in the eleventh minute, presenting a golden opportunity to level the score. Rising to the occasion, Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir proved to be the hero, pulling off a spectacular save to deny Mehdi Taremi from the spot.
Despite the crucial stop, The Pharaohs’ lead was short-lived, as Ramin Rezaeian struck just three minutes later to level the tie in the fourteenth minute. The tension carried through to the dying seconds, culminating in late drama deep into stoppage time when Iran had a potential winning goal ruled out for offside in the 96th minute.
The historic result leaves Egypt unbeaten with five points from their three group games. Their journey began with a 1-1 draw against Belgium, followed by a 3-1 victory over New Zealand, before concluding the group stage with the 1-1 tie against Iran. Belgium topped Group G after dismantling New Zealand 5-1 in their simultaneous fixture in Vancouver, having previously drawn 0-0 with Iran. Iran, who drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening game, finish third with three points and now face an anxious wait to see if they progress. Elsewhere in the tournament, controversy has cast a shadow over proceedings, with reports branding the situation a “World Cup farce” as Australia and Paraguay face accusations of collusion following a suspicious draw.
The Pharaohs fielded a strong starting lineup for this momentous occasion, setting up with Shobeir in goal behind a defensive line of Ahmed Fatouh, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Ramy Rabia, and Mohamed Hany. The midfield engine room featured Mohanad Lasheen, Saber, Emam Ashour, and Zico, providing support for the attacking duo of Mahmoud Trezeguet and Mohamed Salah. Iran countered with Alireza Beiranvand between the sticks, supported by Shojae Khalilzadeh, Rezaeian, Ali Nemati, Mohammad Hossein Kanaanizadegan, and Milad Mohammadi. Saeid Ezatolahi, Mohammad Mohebi, Saman Ghoddos, and Mohammad Ghorbani operated in midfield, with Taremi leading the line.
The full squad that has carried Egypt to this unprecedented achievement includes goalkeepers Mohamed El Shenawy, Shobeir, El Mahdy Soliman, and Mohamed Alaa. The defensive ranks feature Hany, Tarek Alaa, Hamdi Fathi, Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Hossam Abdelmaguid, Abdelmonem, Fatouh, and Karim Hafez. Midfield options comprise Marwan Attia, Lasheen, Nabil Emad Donga, Saber, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Ashour, Mostafa Abdel Raouf Zico, Trezeguet, Ibrahim Adel, Haytham Hassan, and Salah, with Omar Marmoush and Hamza Abdelkarim serving as the team’s forwards.
