Iran denied win by VAR, waits on third-place World Cup berth
6 verified5 unconfirmed
Iran missed a chance to guarantee a spot in the World Cup knockout rounds when a stoppage-time goal by Shoja Khalilzadeh was overturned by video review for offside in a 1-1 draw against Egypt in Seattle. Egypt advanced to the last 32 for the first time after finishing second in Group G, while Iran placed third and must wait for other group results to see if they progress as one of the best third-placed teams. Belgium won the group with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand. Egypt took an early lead in the fifth minute through Mahmoud Saber, but Iran equalized nine minutes later on a goal by Ramin Rezaeian. Iran pushed for a winner in added time but had Khalilzadeh’s strike ruled out and also hit the crossbar in the final moments. The result means Egypt will face Australia in the knockout stage, while Iran’s fate depends on outcomes in other groups.
What’s verified
Iran and Egypt drew 1-1 in a World Cup Group G match in Seattle on June 27, 2026.
Iran had a late goal by Shoja Khalilzadeh ruled out by video review for offside in stoppage time.
Egypt advanced past the group stage for the first time, finishing second in Group G.
Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1 to win Group G.
Egypt will face Australia in the last 32.
Iran finished third in the group and may still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that Iran hit the crossbar twice in stoppage time, including a header by Saeid Ezatolahi in the 97th minute.
One source reported that Iran had a penalty saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir in the 12th minute.
One source reported that Iran faced logistical challenges, traveling from their Mexico base to Seattle two days before the match due to restrictions related to the conflict with the United States.
One source reported that Iran’s progression depends on Algeria earning at least a point or DR Congo failing to win their final group games.
The sources did not specify which third-place teams would qualify or how many points Iran would need.
Key figures
Shoja Khalilzadeh (Iran)
Ramin Rezaeian (Iran)
Mahmoud Saber (Egypt)
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Alireza Beiranvand (Iran goalkeeper)
Mostafa Shobeir (Egypt goalkeeper)
Saeid Ezatolahi (Iran)
Mehdi Taremi (Iran)
Sources: BBC News, Sky Sports, abcnews.com
