Egypt advance as Iran left to wait after VAR denies late winner

Updated: Jun 27, 2026, 11:14 am

SEATTLE -- Egypt advanced past the group stage at the World Cup for the first time while Iran, who had a potential winning goal called back due to an offside, will have to wait one day to find out its fate after the two teams played to a 1-1 draw.

At the conclusion of what was promoted as a "Pride Match" in Seattle, one which neither Iran nor Egypt wanted any part in, the Pharaohs finished in second place in Group G. Belgium, which played to a 1-1 draw against Egypt on June 15, beat New Zealand 5-1 in Vancouver, British Columbia to win the group outright.

Egypt will face Australia in the round of 32 in Arlington, Texas, on July 3.

Iran could still advance to the knockout round for the first time in the expanded 48-team pool at this year's tournament. But, they no longer control their own destiny after Friday's game.

Shoja Khalilzadeh's late goal for Iran was ruled out for offside against Egypt.
Shoja Khalilzadeh's late goal for Iran was ruled out for offside against Egypt.
Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Egypt took an early lead on a goal by Mahmoud Saber in the fifth minute. Former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah provided some strong play in the box before Saber fired a shot between the legs of Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

Iran tied the match nine minutes later on a goal by Ramin Rezaeian, and nearly won the game in stoppage time. Shoja Khalilzadeh fired a shot past Beiranvand in the 93rd minute, but it was overturned for offside after a video review.

Had the goal counted, Iran would have clinched a berth to the knockout round.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.