7M - Egypt 1-1 Iran: Pharaohs secure second place in Group G after dramatic VAR intervention denies Team Melli late winner

Egypt advanced to the World Cup round of 32 as runners-up in Group G following a tense 1-1 draw against Iran at the Seattle Stadium. A 93rd-minute winner from Shoja Khalilzadeh was dramatically overturned by VAR due to a fractional offside in the buildup, leaving unbeaten Iran waiting to see if they will qualify as one of the best third-place teams.

The match burst into life during the opening minutes, with both teams scoring the fastest World Cup goals in their respective histories. Mahmoud Saber put Egypt ahead in the fifth minute when his long-range effort slipped past Alireza Beiranvand. Iran responded quickly but missed a golden opportunity to equalise when Egypt keeper Mostafa Shobeir saved a penalty from Mehdi Taremi after Mohamed Abdelmonem fouled the Iranian captain. However, Iran drew level in the 14th minute as Ramin Rezaeian drilled home from a tight angle after Shobeir initially blocked a shot from Milad Mohammadi.

Egypt suffered a blow just before the hour mark when star player Mohamed Salah was substituted with an apparent leg injury. Following his departure, Iran dominated the second half, with Taremi hitting the post with a glancing header. In stoppage time, Khalilzadeh turned the ball in following a clearing error by Shobeir, sparking massive celebrations that were ultimately cut short by the video assistant referee. There was still time for Saeid Ezatolahi to head against the crossbar for Iran, but Egypt held on to book a clash against Australia in Dallas, while Belgium topped the group after defeating New Zealand 5-1.