Egypt 1–1 Iran: VAR denies Khalilzadeh winner as both sides share the points in Seattle

Egypt and Iran played out a breathless 1–1 draw at Lumen Field in Seattle in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G finale, with both goals coming in the opening quarter of an hour. Mahmoud Saber struck in just the 5th minute to give Egypt the lead, before Ramin Rezaeian levelled for Iran nine minutes later.

The match grew increasingly frantic in the second half as Iran pressed for a winner they needed to secure their passage to the round of 32. Their cause appeared to have been answered deep into stoppage time when Shojae Khalilzadeh bundled the ball home in the 93rd minute, only for VAR to rule the effort out for offside, crushing Iranian hopes in an instant.

The draw was enough for Egypt to advance as Group G runners-up, setting up a last-32 meeting with Australia. Iran were left to wait anxiously on the results of other groups to learn whether their points tally would be sufficient to progress as one of the best third-placed teams. Belgium topped the group after a 5–1 victory over New Zealand.