SEATTLE (AP) — Egypt advanced past the group stage at the World Cup for the first time while Iran, which had a potential late winning goal called back due to an offside, will have to wait one day to find out its fate after the two teams played to a 1-1 draw.
At the conclusion of what was promoted as a “Pride Match” in Seattle, one which neither Iran nor Egypt wanted any part in, the Pharaohs finished in second place in Group G.
Belgium, which played to a 1-1 draw against Egypt on June 15, beat New Zealand 5-1 in Vancouver, British Columbia to win the group outright.
Iran could still advance to the knockout round for the first time in the expanded 48-team pool at this year’s tournament. But, they no longer control their own destiny after Friday’s game.
Iran's late winner was ruled offside‼️
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 27, 2026
They were this close to securing their nation's first trip to the World Cup knockouts 🤏
They remain in contention as one of the best 3rd place teams, with all eyes on tomorrow's results ... pic.twitter.com/I6g97rikmA
Egypt took an early lead on a goal by Mahmoud Saber in the fifth minute. Former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah provided some strong play in the box before Saber fired a shot between the legs of Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Iran tied the match nine minutes later on a goal by Ramin Rezaeian, and nearly won the game in stoppage time. Shoja Khalilzadeh fired a shot past Egypt goalie Mostafa Shobeir in the 93rd minute, but it was overturned for offside after a video review.
Had the goal counted, Iran would have clinched a berth to the knockout round.
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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
