2026 World Cup: Egypt vs. Iran, Probable Lineups
Group G will wrap up at 5 a.m. on June 27 with a match that could decide it all. Egypt aims to defend the top spot it has held after two matchdays, while Iran dreams of a qualification that would be nothing short of sensational.
The second matchday of the group stage confirmed just how evenly matched the teams in Group G are. Egypt secured a crucial 3-1 victory over New Zealand, staging a comeback after a difficult first half. Mohamed Salah was the star of the show, scoring a goal and providing an assist that turned the match around and allowed the North Africans to climb to the top of the standings. Iran, on the other hand, held Belgium to a 0-0 draw, securing an important result but leaving some regrets on the field. Team Melli, in fact, played with a one-man advantage for over half an hour without managing to score the winning goal that could have definitively sealed their qualification. With Egypt on four points and Iran on two, the group’s outcome remains wide open.
Following the victory over New Zealand, the mood in the Egyptian camp is extremely positive. Salah celebrated his personal record and the team’s success, while emphasizing that the main goal remains advancing to the next round. The “Pharaohs” seem to have regained their confidence and composure, but head coach Hassan knows full well that any lapse in concentration could prove fatal. For this reason, he is expected to field the same starting lineup that dominated the second half against New Zealand. Up front, Marmoush will start, supported in the attacking midfield by Salah, Ashour, and Ziko. Lasheen and Attia will play in midfield, while the defensive line will be led by Fathy and Ibrahim.
Despite the difficulties that have marked the Iranian national team’s path to the World Cup, Team Melli heads into the final matchday still undefeated and with a real chance of qualifying. Head coach Ghalenoei praised his players’ character after the draw against Belgium, reiterating that the team is overcoming enormous obstacles. Now they’ll need another heroic performance against the group leader. The team’s star player remains Mehdi Taremi, the Asian side’s technical and offensive leader. Behind him will be a compact midfield with Jahanbakhsh and Rezaeian on the wings, while Ezatolahi and Ghoddos will be tasked with ensuring balance and quality in the center of the field.
Probable Lineups
Egypt (4-2-3-1): Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Fathy, Fatouh; Lasheen, Attia; Ziko, Salah, Ashour; Marmoush. Coach: Hassan.
Iran (5-4-1): Beiranvand; Hardani, Kanaani, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Hajsafi; Rezaeian, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi, Jahanbakhsh; Taremi. Coach: Ghalenoei
