WASHINGTON : Egypt advanced to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after drawing 1-1 with Iran in their final Group G match on Friday, securing second place in the standings behind Belgium.
Mahmoud Saber put Egypt ahead in the fifth minute, but Iran responded quickly as Ramin Rezaeian levelled the score nine minutes later.
The draw moved Egypt onto five points, enough to seal a place in the knockout stage, while Iran were eliminated from the tournament.
Egypt will face Australia, the runners-up in Group D, in the Round of 32.
Egypt had already been assured of qualification before kickoff after Cape Verde’s goalless draw with Saudi Arabia and Spain’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Group H guaranteed their progress regardless of the result against Iran.
