- 1 Egypt vs Iran: Final day battle for the last 16 and a top-of-the-group showdown in Seattle
- 2 Egypt look to Salah to seal first place
- 3 Iran’s wall of defence targets a major upset
- 4 Probable line-ups:
- 5 World Cup 2026 Prediction: Egypt vs Iran
- 6 First, a word on our predictions
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Information can change
- 9 Your role
- 10 Responsible gambling first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the images
Egypt vs Iran: Final day battle for the last 16 and a top-of-the-group showdown in Seattle 
Group G is set to deliver its final verdict this Saturday, with Egypt and Iran locking horns in a decisive clash at Lumen Field in Seattle. Sitting top after a near-perfect start to the tournament, the Pharaohs go into this one knowing a place in the last 16 is there for the taking. Across the pitch, Iran – stubborn, disciplined and still unbeaten – are ready to throw everything at the contest in a bid to shake up the order and punch their ticket to the knockout bracket.
Egypt arrive in a strong position after holding Belgium to a 1-1 draw and then beating New Zealand 3-1, looking organised, confident and a step ahead in attack. Amir Ghalenoei’s men, meanwhile, have gone about their business quietly but with real defensive conviction, taking two points from draws with New Zealand (2-2) and the Red Devils (0-0). In a group where nothing is settled, this one looks set to be tight, tactical and hard to call.
Egypt look to Salah to seal first place 
Chasing a first World Cup knockout-stage qualification since 1990, Egypt have their fate in their own hands and need only a draw to book their spot in the next round. Head coach Hossam Hassan, though, has a few defensive headaches to manage. Midfielder Hamdi Fathy, who is carrying a hamstring issue, remains doubtful, while Hossam Abdelmaguid is already ruled out. Veteran Ramy Rabia is therefore expected to step into the heart of the back line.
Going forward, everything will inevitably run through Mohamed Salah. The superstar has already produced a goal and two assists in two outings. The Pharaohs captain should be well supported by the pace of Omar Marmoush up front and the width provided by Ziko on the flank as they look to prise open a stubborn defence. In midfield, Marwan Attia and Mohanad Lasheen will be tasked with bringing the bite, breaking up transitions and setting the tempo, all while trying to calm any nerves and steer the country towards a huge national celebration.
Iran’s wall of defence targets a major upset 
For Team Melli, this final group game has the feel of a do-or-die night, even if a draw might not be enough should Belgium run up a big win in the other fixture. Iran are on a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions and lean on one of the tournament’s best defensive structures, as shown by that heroic clean sheet against Belgium’s attackers. With the exception of Roozbeh Cheshmi, the squad is fully fit.
In attack, Amir Ghalenoei is expected to add more experience by handing a start to winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh, which would allow Ramin Rezaeian to drop into a more defensive wing-back role. The main threat is star striker Mehdi Taremi, who will be charged with taking the few chances that come along in the danger area, with Saman Ghoddos supplying the creativity. At the back, the centre-half pairing led by Shojae Khalilzadeh will form a solid block in front of Alireza Beiranvand, ready to dig in before the whistle goes.
Probable line-ups:
Egypt: Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Lasheen; Salah, Ashour, Ziko; Marmoush
Iran: Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Hajsafi, Kanaani; Mohebi, Ezatolahi, Ghoddos, Jahanbakhsh; Taremi
on MathODDS
World Cup 2026 Prediction: Egypt vs Iran
Egypt to win
On paper, this looks brutally tight between two unbeaten sides both desperate to seal a place in the last 16. Even so, Egypt come into it with a clear edge in both momentum and mindset. Fresh from their impressive attacking display against New Zealand, the Pharaohs look far sharper and more varied in the final third than their opponents. Add in a world-class talent like Mohamed Salah and, in a match like this, that often decides the outcome.
Iran will almost certainly try to make it a physical scrap, sitting deep and waiting to break. But the need to go for victory – and avoid relying on events elsewhere – could force Ghalenoei’s side to open up in the second half. If that happens, Egypt’s pace in transition and Salah’s cold-blooded finishing could do real damage. A win for Egypt looks the likeliest outcome, enough to wrap up top spot in the group.
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