Egypt draws 1-1 with Iran to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in its history
A late VAR-offside decision denying Iran a winner at Lumen Field sends the Pharaohs through to face Australia on 3 July.
Early exchanges
Egypt took the lead in the fifth minute when Mahmoud Saber sent a left-footed shot from inside the area that trickled under Alireza Beiranvand and over the line despite three Iranian defenders on the goal line. The fast start set the tone for an open first quarter of an hour.
Missed penalty and equaliser
Iran responded with a penalty in the 10th minute after Mehdi Taremi was fouled. Taremi stepped up but saw his low effort to the left corner saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, keeping the Pharaohs ahead. Four minutes later Ramin Rezaeian levelled the match, firing in the rebound after a save by El Shenawy from a Mohammad Mohammadi shot, making it 1-1.
Second-half stalemate
Both sides adopted a more measured approach after the break. Early in the second period Trezeguet wasted a double chance for Egypt, but clear-cut openings became scarce. Iran looked the likelier side to force a winner in the closing minutes, while Egypt concentrated on preserving the draw that would secure their passage.
VAR heartbreak for Iran
Deep into stoppage time Iran thought they had won it when Shoja Khalilzadeh put the ball in the net in the 93rd minute, triggering wild celebrations. However, the video assistant referee intervened and the goal was disallowed for offside (the automatic offside replays showed the margin was barely half a shoe). Two minutes later Iran struck the woodwork through Saeid Ezatolahi, but the final whistle confirmed the 1-1 scoreline.
- 5' — Egypt take the lead through Mahmoud Saber
- 10' — Iran penalty; Mehdi Taremi's shot saved by Mohamed El Shenawy
- 14' — Ramin Rezaeian equalises for Iran after a rebound
- 90+3' — Iran goal disallowed by VAR for offside (half a shoe)
- 90+5' — Iran hit the post; match ends 1-1
Egypt's historic achievement
The draw gave Egypt a second-place finish in Group 7 with five points, level on points with group winners Belgium but behind on overall goal difference (5-3 vs 5-2). The result ensures the Pharaohs reach the World Cup knockout phase for the first time in their fourth tournament appearance. They will play Australia, the second-placed team from Group 4, in the round of 32 on 3 July in Texas. Iran, third in the group with three points from three draws and a goal difference of 3-3, must wait to see whether the three points will be enough to advance as one of the eight best third-placed sides.
