Contents
- Competition: World Cup
- Date: 27th June 2026
- Kick-off: 04:00 UK / 05:00 CEST
- Venue: Seattle Stadium
Egypt and Iran wrap up their FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage campaigns on Saturday morning in Seattle for a high-stakes Group G finale. Hossam Hassan’s Pharaohs lead the group and need just a draw to secure a knockout spot. Conversely, Team Melli must fight for a historic victory to survive, battling key suspensions and injuries. Let's preview this crucial, must-win tactical battle for qualification.
Historically, these two nations have met only once, playing to a 1-1 friendly draw in June 2000. Friday marks their first-ever competitive fixture. With no head-to-head advantage on either side, this historic World Cup debut will break the deadlock with immense knockout stakes on the line.
Egypt team overview
Egypt enters this one on the back of a historic, come-from-behind 3-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver.
The Pharaohs remain undefeated in Group G with four points, having previously fought out a tense 1-1 draw against Belgium in their tournament opener.
Hossam Hassan’s men look incredibly confident, fueled by a fluid attacking line that completely overwhelmed the All Whites in the second half of their last outing.
Main man Mohamed Salah is on an absolute tear, spearheading the offense with a crucial goal scoring contribution of two goals and an assist across the first two group stage fixtures.
However, the squad faces one noticeable absentee as midfielder Hamdy Fathy remains a major doubt following an apparent first-half injury sustained away from the ball on matchday two.
Last matches of Egypt
-
New Zealand
1 : 3
Egypt
World Cup
-
Belgium
1 : 1
Egypt
World Cup
-
Egypt
1 : 0
Russia
Friendly International
-
Spain
0 : 0
Egypt
Friendly International
-
Saudi Arabia
0 : 4
Egypt
Friendly International
Egypt lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Mohamed El Shenawy
Defenders
-
13
Mohamed Hamdi
-
6
Ahmed Hegazi
-
24
Mohamed Abdelmonem
-
3
Mohamed Hany
Midfielders
-
17
Mohamed Elneny
-
8
Emam Ashour
-
25
Ahmed Sayed Zizo
Forwards
-
10
Mohamed Salah
-
11
Mostafa Mohamed
-
7
Omar Marmoush
Iran team overview
Iran enters this one on the back of a hard-fought, goalless draw against Belgium in Los Angeles.
The Team Melli are currently on a two-match run without a win in Group G, leaving them with two points after also playing out a dramatic 2-2 tie with New Zealand.
Amir Ghalenoei’s men must secure an outright victory on Friday if they want to escape the group stage for the first time in their nation's history.
Main man Mehdi Taremi remains the focal point of the offense, though winger Mohammad Mohebi has provided the primary goal contribution so far by scoring their crucial equalizer against the Kiwis.
However, the squad faces a massive setback as captain and starting left-back Ehsan Hajisafi is an absolute absentee due to yellow card accumulation.
Last matches of Iran
-
Belgium
0 : 0
Iran
World Cup
-
Iran
2 : 2
New Zealand
World Cup
-
Iran
3 : 1
Gambia
Friendly International
-
Iran
5 : 0
Costa Rica
Friendly International
-
Iran
1 : 2
Nigeria
Friendly International
Iran lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Alireza Beiranvand
Defenders
-
23
Ramin Rezaeian
-
13
Hossein Kanaanizadegan
-
19
Majid Hosseini
-
2
Milad Mohammadi
Midfielders
-
21
Ahmad Nourollahi
-
6
Saeid Ezatolahi
-
2
Milad Mohammadi
Forwards
-
7
Alireza Jahanbakhsh
-
9
Mehdi Taremi
-
10
Mehdi Ghayedi
Prediction
Iran and Egypt clash in a cagey, high-stakes Group G finale that screams a low-scoring affair. The Pharaohs need only a draw to secure knockout qualification and will likely prioritize defensive solidity. Amir Ghalenoei’s men lack the creative spark to unlock a disciplined backline without their suspended captain. Expect a tense, risk-averse tactical battle where both sides cancel each other out in a frustrating 0-0 stalemate.
Three reasons we expect both teams not to score
- Iran have kept a clean sheet in two of their last three matches.
- At least one side failed to score in five of the last eight games of Egypt.
- Bets on BTTS – No won in three of the last five World Cup games of Egypt.
Main prediction Egypt - Iran
Both Teams to Score - NO
Best Odds:
Egypt vs Iran standings in World Cup
| Group G | P | W | D | L |
G - A
|
GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 - 2 | +2 | 4 |
| 2 | Iran | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 - 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 3 | Belgium | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 - 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 - 5 | -2 | 1 |