IRAN kept their FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against an already-qualified Egypt on Friday, but must now wait to learn whether they will advance to the knockout stage as one of the tournament's eight best third-placed teams.
Egypt made a flying start, taking the lead inside five minutes when Mahmoud Saber found the net to strengthen their grip on second place in Group G.
Reuters reported on Saturday that Iran responded swiftly, with Ramin Rezaeian levelling the score from a tight angle in the 14th minute after an open and frantic opening spell.
Iran had opportunities to claim all three points, with Mehdi Taremi seeing his first-half penalty saved before later heading against the crossbar in the closing stages.
The drama continued deep into stoppage time when Shoja Khalilzadeh thought he had scored a dramatic winner in the 93rd minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
The result leaves Egypt second in Group G on five points, finishing behind Belgium on goal difference after already securing qualification for the last 32.
Iran finishes third with three points and must await the outcome of the remaining group-stage matches to determine whether they progress as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams. - June 27, 2026
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