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Egypt can book their passage to the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds with a win or a draw when they take on Iran in the Group G clash at Lumen field in Seattle on Friday.
After drawing 1-1 with Belgium in their opening match, the Pharaohs boosted their qualification hopes with a 3-1 victory over New Zealand and know that a draw should be enough to secure a place in the round of 32.
Iran, meanwhile, kept their hopes alive with a disciplined goalless draw against Belgium following a 2-2 stalemate with New Zealand. However, Amir Ghalenoei's side could be heading for an early exit if they lose to Egypt and Belgium avoid defeat against New Zealand in the other Group G contest.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions. Additionally, take a look at our best World Cup betting offers to give yourself the best chance of making some profit.
Egypt vs Iran key stats
- Egypt have lost only once in their last six matches.
- Three of Iran's last five matches have produced Over 2.5 goals.
- Mo Salah has provided three assists in his last four games for club and country.
Egypt vs Iran preview: Can Mo Salah inspire another crucial win?
| Egypt | vs | Iran |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | FIFA Ranking | 20 |
| Mohamed Salah (118) | Most Caps | Ehsan Hajsafi (148) |
| Mohamed Salah (68) | Most Goals | Mehdi Taremi (60) |
| 854 | Total Caps | 1201 |
| 130 | Total Goals | 152 |
| 2 | Uncapped Players | 2 |
Egypt are in a strong position to reach the knockout rounds and would only be at serious risk of elimination if they lose to Iran and Belgium beat New Zealand in the other Group G fixture.
Even in the event of defeat, the Pharaohs could still advance as one of the best third-placed teams, although qualification would then depend on results elsewhere.
Egypt showed tremendous character in their last outing, coming from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over New Zealand, with all three of their goals arriving after the interval.
Much of their attacking threat has come through Mohamed Salah, who has already registered three goal contributions at the tournament. The 34-year-old winger will once again be expected to lead by example as Egypt aim to secure top spot in Group G.
Iran have already earned plenty of admiration for their resilient displays in Group G, but their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds remain hanging by a thread.
Team Melli are unbeaten in their last five matches, winning three of them, although they are still searching for their first victory at this World Cup after drawing both of their opening fixtures.
Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand was the standout performer in the goalless draw against Belgium, producing seven saves to preserve a valuable point. However, Iran will need to offer more at the other end of the pitch if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.
A draw could still prove sufficient if Belgium fail to beat New Zealand in the group's other match, but Ghalenoei's side will know that victory is the safest route to the round of 32 and should approach Friday's contest with all three points in mind.
Egypt vs Iran form guide & betting tips
| Egypt | vs | Iran |
|---|---|---|
DWLDW |
Form | WWWDD |
| 6 | Goals For | 12 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 3 |
DW |
WORLD CUP | DD |
Whispers predicts: Egypt 2-1 Iran
Sitting top of Group G and carrying plenty of momentum into their final group fixture, Egypt look well placed to secure another positive result and are priced at 7/5 (2.4) to claim all three points.
However, the Pharaohs have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last three matches, and Iran have shown enough attacking threat to trouble them. As a result, Both Teams to Score – Yes at 13/10 (2.3) stands out as an appealing option.
Mohamed Salah has already registered three goal contributions at the tournament and is available at 21/10 (3.1) to score anytime. Considering that Salah has registered two assists, we back him to score or assist anytime at 6/5 (2.2).
> Egypt win at 7/5 (2.4) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 13/10 (2.3) | Likelihood: Probable
> Egypt win + BTTS – Yes at 11/2 (6.5) | Likelihood: Outsider
> Over 2.5 goals at 7/4 (2.75) | Likelihood: Probable
> Mo Salah to score or assist at 6/5 (2.2) | Likelihood: Probable