Battle for the top in Group G: Egypt face Iran

In Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Egypt and Iran face off both unbeaten in their first two matches at Lumen Field in Seattle. History is on the line for both: each has a chance to reach the knockout phase for the first time. If results go their way — which factors in Belgium's simultaneous match against New Zealand — both nations could finish in the group's top two. Third place is also likely good enough to advance.

Iran, denied a prolonged stay in the US and initially permitted only to travel for matches, defied the odds to be competitive at all to reach this point. Draws with New Zealand and Belgium galvanized the team. With travel restrictions partially lifted — though complaints came after a delay at the border this week — Iran could build even more positive momentum.

Egypt, meanwhile, drew with Belgium and beat New Zealand to reach four points already; a tally that is all but certain to be enough to progress among the eight best third-placed finishers, even if they cannot crack the top two. In this tournament, likely to define Mohamed Salah's legacy with the national team, Egypt may have flown under the radar; but they won't give up top spot in Group G easily. Unlike his right-wing role at Liverpool and the center-forward position at the Africa Cup of Nations, Salah has played as a central attacking midfielder (No. 10) in the first two games, and it is working; he is the team's star with two assists and a goal.

Both teams have shown they can score, and with a more favorable round-of-32 match on offer for winning the group, neither is expected to hold back. For Iran, head coach Amir Ghalenoei could begin with the same back three that frustrated Belgium; but there is also an opportunity to commit a little more forward to find a goal. Captain Mehdi Taremi has yet to score in this tournament but has worked hard in difficult circumstances; after scoring twice at the 2022 tournament, this could be the match he gets off the mark. For Egypt, the absence of center-back Hamdi Fathi, injured in the first half against New Zealand, prompts at least one forced change in defense.

Starting XIs
Egypt (4-2-3-1): Shoubir; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Lashin; Zico, Salah, Ashour; Marmoush
Iran (3-4-3): Beiranvand; Kanaani, Khalilzadeh, Nemeti; Rezaeian, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi; Hajisafi, Jahanbakhsh, Taremi, Mohebi

Source: Sports Illustrated
Image: Sports Illustrated