Egypt face Iran with the knockout stages one win away
Win and you're through
It is that simple. Egypt face Iran on Saturday in Seattle, and a win puts you into the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in history (1) (2) (7). The Pharaohs are riding the high of that 3–1 victory over New Zealand, the first World Cup win the country has ever recorded (7). Mohamed Salah scored and assisted in Vancouver. Omar Marmoush got on the scoresheet too. Hossam Hassan's side are one result from something nobody back home has ever seen.
Iran's coach sidesteps the Pride Match controversy
FIFA designated this as a Pride Match. Rainbow flags are expected in the stands at Seattle (5). Iran reportedly asked FIFA to block LGBTQ+ promotional activities ahead of the game (1) (6). Their coach wants none of the noise. "On se concentre sur le sport et pas les autres sujets," he said, meaning the focus stays on football and nothing else (1) (5) (6). For your team, it is simple: block out the headlines, take the three points, make history.
Sources
- 1. n-tv.de — Heikles Duell bei WM: Ägypten und Iran verweigern Aussagen zum "Pride Match"
- 2. cbssports.com — Egypt vs. Iran odds, prediction, time: 2026 World Cup picks, best bets from expert on 23-13 run
- 5. bbc.co.uk — Rainbow flags await Egypt and Iran at awkward World Cup Pride Match
- 6. rmcsport.bfmtv.com — Égypte-Iran : "On se concentre sur le sport et pas les autres sujets", un "match des fiertés" sous haute-tension à Seattle
- 7. spox.com — Ägypten vs. Iran heute live bei ARD, ZDF oder nur MagentaTV: Wer zeigt / überträgt das Gruppenspiel der WM 2026 im Free-TV und Livestream?