Egypt-Iran XIs: two unbeaten teams face off

In the final Group G match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Egypt and Iran face off both unbeaten in their first two matches at Lumen Field in Seattle, and the probable starting XIs have taken shape. History is on the line for both: each has a chance to reach the round of 32 for the first time. If results go their way, both nations could finish in the group's top two, while third place is also likely good enough to advance.

For Egypt, the head coach sets up Mohamed Salah in a 4-2-3-1. Unlike his right-wing role at Liverpool, Salah has played as a central attacking midfielder (No. 10) in this tournament and, with two assists and a goal in the first two matches, became the team's star. Omar Marmoush plays as the center-forward up top, with Mohamed Shobeir in goal. An enforced change is made in defense in the absence of Hamdi Fathi, injured against New Zealand.

For Iran, head coach Amir Ghalenoei aims to set up a disciplined defense with a 5-4-1-leaning formation. Captain Mehdi Taremi plays up top, and the experienced striker, yet to score in this tournament, comes out searching for his first goal. Alireza Beiranvand is in goal, with Saeid Ezatolahi balancing the play in midfield. Iran, restricted from a prolonged stay in the US, reached this point with a competitive showing despite those tough circumstances.

Both teams have shown they can score, and with a more favorable round-of-32 tie on offer for winning the group, neither is expected to hold back. In this top-of-the-group clash at Lumen Field, both sides, wanting to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history, are expected to play a controlled but goal-focused game.

Starting XIs
Egypt (4-2-3-1): Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Lasheen; Ziko, Ashour, Salah; Marmoush
Iran (5-4-1): Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Kanaani, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Hajsafi; Jahanbakhsh, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi, Mohebi; Taremi

Image: Yahoo Sports