Iran's late equalizer is overturned, leaving Egypt to finish second in Group G

Egypt came into Saturday morning's match against Iran in Seattle knowing its fate was in its own hands. A win would have taken first place in Group G, and even a draw would have been enough if Belgium failed to make up the goal difference. Instead, Egypt drew 1-1 while Belgium crushed New Zealand 5-1 in the parallel match, sending Mohamed Salah and his teammates through in second place and into a knockout meeting with Australia. Iran finished third in the group and its qualification chances remain uncertain.

The game delivered early drama. Egypt led 1-0 in the 5th minute through Mohamed Saber, but Iran answered quickly. In the 11th minute it earned a penalty, Mehdi Taremi missed, and three minutes later Ramin Rezaeian scored from close range to make it 1-1. Rezaeian, the article noted, continued his successful World Cup run.

Egypt had already secured its first-ever World Cup qualification before kickoff, so coach Hossam Hassan rested Omar Marmoush at halftime and also sent Mohamed Salah to the bench in the 57th minute. Iran pushed late and thought it had won in stoppage time when Shojae Khalilzadeh scored in the 90th+3 minute, but VAR ruled the goal offside. Five minutes later Saeed Ezatolahi hit the crossbar, and the comeback never materialized.

The match was also notable off the pitch. It had been designated a “Pride match” as part of Seattle's Pride weekend, and both federations asked FIFA not to take part. They played anyway, in front of stands filled with Pride flags and scarves. The match was refereed by Poland's Szymon Marciniak at Lumen Field.