Egypt and Iran will be looking to seal a spot in the 2026 World Cup knockout stages when they meet on Saturday at 4am (UK time).
Egypt go into the final round of fixtures top of Group G, two points clear of their opponents. They’re the only side to win a game in the group, beating New Zealand 3-1 last time out. That came after an opening 1-1 draw with Belgium in which they only dropped points to a second-half own goal. Egypt only need a draw to seal their spot in the knockout stages, but a win will see them top. A draw may also be enough to secure top spot, providing Belgium don’t beat New Zealand by three or more goals — or by two goals and scoring more.
Iran had to come from behind twice to secure their draw in the opening game against New Zealand. They matched the result in their next match against Belgium, a hard-fought goalless draw. It leaves them above Belgium on goals scored, and their requirements are pretty straightforward. If Iran beat Egypt they’ll qualify for the knockout stages. They’ll finish top if they beat Egypt and Belgium either drop points against New Zealand, or win without overtaking Iran on goal difference, goals scored or Fair Play.
This will be just the second game between these two nations. A friendly tournament clash finished level but Egypt won on penalties in 2000.
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Egypt vs Iran team news
Egypt team news
Hossam Hassan named the same starting XIs for both of Egypt’s World Cup games so far, but he may be forced to make a change or two for this match. Hamdy Fathy came off injured just before half-time in the win over New Zealand and is a doubt for this game. Ramy Rabia replaced Fathy in that match and is likely to start here, even if it’s to avoid a risk. Hossam Abdelmaguid also picked up an injury but he was a substitute, so his absence won’t alter the starting XI.
Rabia will partner Yasser Ibrahim at centre-back, with Mohamed Hany and Ahmed Fatouh as the full-backs. Oufa Shobeir will start in goal, continuing his run as No.1 shot-stopper. The double pivot is likely to stay the same too, with Marwan Attia partnering Mohanad Lasheen.
Omar Marmoush is expected to lead the line once more, picked ahead of Hamza Abdelkarim in this crucial game. Mo Salah will play behind him in the No.10, with Mostafa Ziko on the right wing. Emam Ashour should complete an unchanged attack on the left.
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Iran team news
Amir Ghalenoei opted for a back five in Iran’s draw against Belgium, and he may look to continue with that system here. Iran looked a lot more defensively solid in that game, compared to their draw with New Zealand, and avoiding defeat is a bare minimum. However, there could be a change in personnel. Ramin Rezaeian started on the wing against Belgium, being pushed up from his usual right-back spot. He’ll likely drop back in place of Saleh Hardani, to allowing Alireza Jahanbakhsh to start further forward.
The rest of Iran’s attack could stay the same, with Mehdi Taremi leading the line and Mohammad Mohebi on the left. Iran do have a lot of attacking options to come off the bench should they need goals late on. Saeed Ezatolahi and Saman Ghoddos are the go-to pairing in central midfield and there’s no need to change that. With Rezaeian as the right wing-back, Ehsan Hajsafi could continue on the left.
The back three should stay the same from the draw with Belgium, too. Hossein Kanaani came into the backline to join Shoja Khalilzadeh and Ali Nemati, with Alireza Beiranvand in goal.
Egypt vs Iran predicted lineups
Egypt (4-2-3-1): Shobeir; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Fatouh; Lasheen, Ateya; Ziko, Salah, Ashour; Marmoush.
Iran (5-4-1): Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Halilzadeh, Kanaani, Nemati, Hajsafi; Jahanbakhsh, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi, Mohebi; Taremi.
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