Africa’s train in the 2026 World Cup is moving as Egypt secured another ticket in the Round of 36.
It is also historical as it is the first time for the country after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Iran in the final Group G fixture at Lumen Field in Seattle on Saturday.
Egypt have not qualified for the second round since their World Cup debut in 1934,
The Pharaohs survived a late drama as Iran saw their injury-time winner overturned by VAR, allowing Egypt to finish second of the group behind Belgium, who have a better goal difference.
Hossam Hassam’s men will now face Australia on Friday in Dallas.
Midfielder Mahmoud Saber opened the scoring early for the Pharaohs, while Ramin Rezaeian leveled the scoring for Iran in the 14th minute.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan made four changes to his regular starting XI, introducing defending duo Mohamed Abdelmonem and Rami Rabia, midfielder Mahmoud Saber and winger Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan instead of Yasser Ibrahim, Hamdy Fathy, Marwan Attia and Omar Marmoush.
Egypt made a blistering start and needed just five minutes to break the deadlock, as Saber pounced on a scramble inside the box to fire home from close range and give Hossam Hassan’s side an early cushion.
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The Pharaohs dominated the opening exchanges, building patiently from the back and controlling the tempo.
However, the lead lasted only nine minutes before controversy struck after the referee pointed to the spot after defender Mohamed Abdelmonem brought down Mehdi Taremi in the box, handing Iran a penalty.
Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a magnificent diving save to deny Taremi from the spot and preserve Egypt’s advantage, only for Ramin Rezaeian to pounce on the rebound and fire home the equaliser from inside the box in the 14th minute.
The early drama came at a cost for Egypt, as Abdelmonem was simultaneously forced off with a muscle injury, bringing on Yasser Ibrahim in his place inside the opening quarter-hour.
A frantic opening twenty minutes, featuring two goals, two yellow cards, a saved penalty and an early enforced change, gave way to a more controlled but still competitive second quarter.
Iran began to impose themselves and probe Egypt’s defensive line, which showed occasional signs of vulnerability under sustained pressure. Egypt pushed to regain the lead as the half wore on, but found Iran’s defence well organised and resilient.
Hossam Hassan opted for a bold double substitution at the break, introducing Marwan Attia and Omar Marmoush to inject fresh energy into the frontline.
The changes had the desired effect as Egypt applied higher pressure and created a string of opportunities, with Trezeguet going closest on two occasions, a well-saved effort from inside the box in the 49th minute after a Salah assist, and a blocked shot from another Salah set-up minutes later.
