Egypt make history as Iran clash looms in Seattle

Salah, Marmoush deliver history

It took 92 years. Egypt 3–1 New Zealand in Vancouver, and the Pharaohs have their first World Cup win. Mohamed Salah scored one and set up Omar Marmoush for another after New Zealand took an early lead from a header. The second half was yours. Hossam Hassan called it resilience. Salah wants more, qualification is within reach now.

Group G wide open

Egypt sit in a strong position to reach the knockout stages for the first time. One more result and the math gets simple. The blend of Salah's leadership and Marmoush's sharpness up front is working. Vancouver saw street celebrations, the kind that follow a team when something real is building.

Iran up next

Iran await in Seattle. That match carries extra weight after both federations asked FIFA to ban rainbow flags at the game. FIFA said no, flags representing sexual orientation and gender identity remain permitted. Infantino distanced the governing body from the "Pride Match" label, saying it refers to external events in the city, not the match itself.

Fan-reaktioner

The "Pride Match" framing has split the discourse. Some fans are comparing records, South Korea have the worst Asian record against African sides at World Cups, while the Iran–Egypt fixture has become a flashpoint beyond football. One thread captures the tension: FIFA ignored both federations' request, and the rainbow flag policy stands.