Egypt booked a historic place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time as a tense draw with IR Iran confirmed them as Group G runners-up, setting up a Round of 32 meeting with Australia.
The Pharaohs struck first through Mahmoud Saber after Mohamed Salah’s deflected effort was parried into his path, but Iran responded when Ramin Rezaeian pounced from close range following a penalty save by Mostafa Shobeir to Mehdi Taremi.
Shobeir proved decisive in keeping Egypt level, producing a string of vital stops as Iran pushed for a winner that would have altered the group standings. A late Iran strike was ruled out for offside after VAR intervention, ensuring Egypt held on to secure progression.
While Hossam Hassan’s side celebrate a landmark knockout berth, Iran must now wait on results from Groups J, K and L to determine whether they advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
