Iran were left heartbroken after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle, as a 93rd-minute goal by Shoja Khalilzadeh was ruled offside by VAR, leaving their World Cup 2026 knockout hopes hanging by a thread. The result meant Egypt advanced as Group G runners-up and will face Australia in the last 32, while Iran must wait on results from other groups to see if they progress.
VAR denies Iran's late winner
With seconds remaining in stoppage time, Khalilzadeh fired home from close range, sparking wild celebrations among Iranian players and staff. However, referee Szymon Marciniak, after a VAR review, determined that Khalilzadeh was offside when Mostafa Shobeir punched clear a free-kick. The goal was disallowed, and Iran's hopes of a first knockout-stage appearance were dashed.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei slumped in his dugout at the final whistle. 'I thought we were the most oppressed team but after these three games we notice we have bad luck as well,' he said. 'We haven't come here for entertainment. We'll just wait until tomorrow. If, God willing, we advance, I'll give them a day to have proper recovery and maybe go to the beach to relax a bit.'
Egypt's Mohamed Salah injury scare
For Egypt, the only concern was the fitness of star winger Mohamed Salah, who requested to be substituted near the hour mark and was seen with an ice pack on his left leg. Coach Hossam Hassan downplayed fears, saying: 'I talked to Salah and he said he's going to be OK and it's not a big injury. We still have time to talk to the medical staff, I think he will be back.'
The game began with a flurry of action in the opening 14 minutes. Mahmoud Saber put Egypt ahead, but Iran equalized through Ramin Rezaeian after Shobeir saved Mehdi Taremi's penalty. The match then settled until a frantic finish saw Iran hit the woodwork twice more, including a header from Taremi and a header from Saeid Ezatolahi that struck the crossbar.
Iran's fate hangs in the balance
Belgium's 5-1 win over New Zealand meant Egypt advanced as group runners-up, while Iran's three draws left them in third place. Their progression now depends on results from other groups, with Croatia, Algeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo still to play. 'When the goal was ruled offside, I was very happy,' Hassan said. 'Thank God it didn't count.'
Iran's goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand and his teammates were left devastated at the final whistle, with Khalilzadeh lying flat on his back, hands on his head, breathing heavily. The draw means Egypt will face Australia in Dallas on Friday, while Iran face an agonizing wait to see if they will join them.
