Iran waits for World Cup progress after late goal disallowed in Egypt Dr World Cup 2026

Egypt finished second with five points in Group G, while Iran finished third with three points.

Iran will be eagerly waiting to see if they can still qualify for the World Cup after coming from behind to hold Egypt 1-1, which ended in shock when the eventual winners were adjudged to be offside.

Egypt, whose qualification for the last 32 was already assured, took the lead inside five minutes through Mahmoud Saber, before Ramin Rezaeian equalized for a strong side in the 14th minute from a difficult start.

The early stages fizzled as the game became tense until a dramatic finish in which Iran hit the woodwork before grabbing what looked like a win, but VAR intervened.

Iran’s Mehdi Taremi – who was saved in the first half – hit the crossbar with a late header before Shoja Khalilzadeh headed home in the 93rd minute, sparking wild celebrations as the Iranian bench descended on the pitch.

But Khalilzadeh was off the mark and Egypt held on for a draw, which means they finish second with five points, behind Belgium on goal difference, and will play Australia in Dallas on July 3 in the knockout stages.

Iran are third on three points and have to wait for confirmation to go through as one of the eight third-placed teams.

Iran’s late euphoria turns to despair

The match was played by a large and noisy Egyptian crowd in the stands, although there were also many Iranians, some of whom waved flags before the match and booed the Iranian national anthem.

Friday’s match was also designated a “Pride Match” by the local organizers and some rainbow flags could be seen inside the stadium, although the match went off without any problems.

Egypt failed after a difficult move by Mohamed Salah in midfield when his left-footed effort fell to Saber, whose effort bounced off Iran’s Alireza Beiranvand.

Iran were not surprised, however, and Taremi almost immediately won a penalty that was well saved by Mostafa Shobeir. The Egyptian then made another diving save, only to see Rezaeian equalize and return.

There were few clear chances after the first-half hydration break and, with Egypt’s progress towards a first-time knockout already assured, Farao were nervous as Iran expanded.

Pinball in the box in extra time ended with Khalilzadeh firing home to seemingly send Iran to the Round of 32, but the goal was disallowed and the fate of Team Melli was no longer in their hands.