Egypt reach first-ever World Cup knockout stage after draw with Iran

Egypt booked a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history after holding Iran to a 1-1 draw in their final Group G match on Friday.

The result secured second place for Egypt in the group, while Iran were left relying on results elsewhere to determine whether they would also progress to the last 32.

Belgium finished top of Group G after a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver. The group winners had earlier drawn with Egypt during the opening phase of the tournament.

Egypt made an ideal start in Seattle, opening the scoring in the fifth minute through Mahmoud Saber. Mohamed Salah helped create the opportunity before Saber slotted the ball through the legs of Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

Iran responded within minutes as Ramin Rezaeian restored parity with a well-taken equaliser in the 14th minute, setting up a closely contested encounter.

Both sides searched for a winner after the break, but neither could find a breakthrough despite creating several opportunities.

Iran appeared to have scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner when Shoja Khalilzadeh found the net in the 93rd minute. However, following a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, leaving the match level.

The disallowed goal proved decisive, as a victory would have sent Iran directly into the knockout stage.

While Egypt celebrated a historic milestone by advancing beyond the group stage for the first time, Iran must now wait to see if their results are enough to secure one of the remaining places in the last 32.