Egypt secure FIFA World Cup knockout qualification as goal ruled out for offside helps them hold on to draw against Iran

Egypt have secured their passage into the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages after Iran’s stoppage-time goal was ruled by VAR.

Shoja Khalilzadeh appeared to have won it for Team Melli in the 96th minute when he put the ball in the back of the net for 2-1.

But following a careful VAR review, the goal was disallowed as Khalilzadeh was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up.

The scoreline was back to 1-1 and Egypt qualified for the Round of 32 as Group G runners-up with five points, finishing behind Belgium on just goal difference.

It sees the Pharaohs into the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 1934. Back then, the tournament had begun in the last-16 stage with a group-stage format not yet introduced. So this marks a first for Egypt to have progressed from a group after two failed attempts in 1990 and 2018.

Mahmoud Saber put Egypt 1-0 up after only five minutes into the kick-off before Iran had a chance to equalize in the 11th minute from the penalty spot, which Mahedi Taremi missed. But Ramin Rezaeian made it 1-1 another three minutes later as Team Melli were level.

Egypt had more possession (62%), but Iran sat deep and were content to hit them on the break. The match was an end-to-end affair with both teams creating plenty of chances, but lacked the cutting edge to hit the broad side of a barn.

Deep into the added minutes, however, Iran appeared to have won the game when Khalilzadeh scored to send the Iranian bench (and the fans) into delirium. But much to their chagrin, it was ruled out for offside play in the build-up as Egypt heaved a sigh of relief.

Ranked 29th in the world, the North African giants had punched above their weight on the opening day to hold European powerhouses Belgium to a 1-1 draw before seeing off New Zealand in a 3-1 win.

Who will Egypt face in 2026 FIFA World Cup last-32?

Egypt take on Australia in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a game that appears winnable for them on paper.

The Socceroos collected just four points in three group matches while failing to score in their last two games: a 2-0 loss vs the USMNT and a 0-0 draw with Paraguay.

Such a toothless attack could prove costly for them against a sturdy Egypt side.