Egypt are looking to finish top of Group G as they conclude their group stage with an encounter against Iran. Mo Salah’s side currently sit top of the table having collected four points from their two matches and will go through to the next round regardless of the result.
However, they can secure top spot and eliminate Iran from the tournament should they take all three points from the game. Iran, who have played out two draws so far, will need to avoid defeat in order to get themselves into the last-32 and maintain their contentious stay at the World Cup.
Elsewhere, Belgium are in need of a positive result against New Zealand. The European nation have a wealth of experience in their squad but have underperformed in their first two games and will face a tricky last-32 tie unless they can overtake Egypt at the top of the table. They must win their match against the Kiwis and win it well as goal difference could come into play.
Group G’s result will also have implications on Scotland’s place in the competition with Steve Clarke’s men needing Iran to lose to keep their hopes of reaching the knockouts alive.
Follow all the latest updates as Group G reaches its climax below:
GOAL! Egypt 1-1 Iran (Rezaeian 14′)
It doesn’t matter – Iran are level!
Shobeier saves again really well down low to his left but Iran’s Ramin Rezaeian is first to the loose goal and fires into the roof of the net from a tight angle!
PENALTY MISSED! Egypt 1-0 Iran
What drama here.
Taremi is fouled in the box after nipping to a loose ball first but his penalty is well-saved by Egypt keeper Mostafa Shobeir!
GOAL! Egypt 1-0 Iran
That didn’t take long!
Egypt take the lead early on here! Mohamed Salah’s tame effort is parried wide by the goalkeeper and midfielder Mahmoud Saber strikes home with his left-foot!
Quite how Saber’s shot found its way through both the keeper and the defender on the line I don’t know… but Egypt are ahead!
KICK-OFF: Egypt v Iran
Mohamed Salah’s Egypt gets us underway then.
Egypt need a point to guarantee progression; Iran need a win.
Faint booing for the Iran national anthem
I wasn’t at Iran’s two games in LA, but the jeering for the national anthem at SoFi seemed louder than just then.
A smattering of boos at the start, before complete respect for the anthem.
It’s go-time.
Fever pitch atmosphere in Seattle
It has been some atmosphere on the walk across the waterfront to Lumen Field this afternoon.
Thousands of Egyptian and Iranian fans, as well as protestors against the Iranian regime. I’ve also seen an anti-Israel protest and an anti-Trump banner, as well as Palestine and Lebanon flags.
Truth be told, the one flag I have not seen a lot of – given it is technically the locally organised rainbow game – is the rainbow flag.
Still, on the pitch, it’s a big moment for both teams. Iran need to win to guarantee qualification.
England qualify for World Cup knockout stages with potential opponents revealed
England have qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockout stages after results in other groups went their way on Friday night.
Postecoglou on Cape Verde’s success
The former Tottneham boss said on ITV: “It’s just a great story for what the World Cup is all about. We often talk about how football touches every part of the globe and this is what it can do. Get on the main stage and they finished second in their group.
“I think they’d love to play Argentina, it just adds to their story. Playing against the reigning champions. What a great story it’s been.”
A poor record
Marcelo Bielsa has failed to progress from the group stage in two of his three World Cup campaigns: with Argentina in 2002 and Uruguay in 2026.
His only successful group-stage campaign came with Chile in 2010.
