Egypt drew 1-1 with Iran in Seattle to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, finishing second in Group G behind Belgium.
The Pharaohs reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after drawing with Iran in the final Group G match in Seattle.
The result moved Egypt to five points from three matches, securing second place behind Belgium, who beat New Zealand 5-1 in the other group match. Egypt will face Australia in the round of 32 in Texas on July 3.
Hossam Hassan’s side needed only a draw to qualify automatically after opening the tournament with a draw against Belgium and then beating New Zealand for Egypt’s first-ever World Cup win.
Egypt took the lead in the fifth minute through Mahmoud Saber after an error by Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Iran had a chance to go ahead soon after when they were awarded a penalty, but Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved Mehdi Taremi’s spot kick. Soon after, Iran equalised in the 14th minute through Ramin Rezaeian.
The match remained level through the second half, with Egypt increasingly protecting the draw as Belgium’s win over New Zealand pushed them into second place.
Mohamed Salah was substituted in the 56th minute after pulling his left hamstring, which caused him trouble at Liverpool at the end of last season.
In a late turn of events, Iran scored a stoppage-time winner through Shoja Khalilzadeh, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside. Iran also hit the bar late in added time.
The draw was enough for Egypt to progress automatically, but it left Iran third in the group on three points. Iran must wait to see whether they finish among the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups.
Belgium finished top of Group G on five points, ahead of Egypt on goal difference, while New Zealand were eliminated with one point.