Egypt vs Iran: Salah Chases the Win That Sends Egypt Through

Predictions

All eyes are on Mohamed Salah, and most experts back his Egypt to get the win they need.

Iran are hard to break down, though, so Egypt may have to be patient.

• Our prediction: Egypt win 2-1, with Salah scoring.
• Racing Post: an Egypt win.
• Squawka: an Egypt win, with Salah to score.

What does each team need?

Egypt are at the top of Group G on 4 points, so beating Iran would put them into the knockout round for sure.

Iran sit 2nd on 2 points, and a win would book their place too.

A draw could be enough for both teams, but only if results in the other game fall their way.

That uncertainty means neither side will want to settle for a point if they can win.

Why are Egypt the favorites?

Egypt have the best player on the pitch and the better recent form.

They drew 1-1 with Belgium and then beat New Zealand 3-1.

Mohamed Salah, the number 10, leads the Group G scoring charts and is in dangerous form.

That is why the bookmakers make Egypt favorites at about +140.

If American odds are new to you, our odds converter turns them into the format you know.

Can Iran grind out a win?

Iran are one of the most organized defensive teams at the World Cup.

They drew 2-2 with New Zealand and then 0-0 with Belgium, so they are tough to score against.

Forward Mehdi Taremi, the number 9, will look to punish Egypt on the counter.

If Iran keep it tight and score a goal, they can win this and reach the knockouts for the first time.

Our call: Egypt 2-1

We are going with Egypt to win 2-1.

Salah is the difference maker, and Egypt look the more dangerous team going forward.

But Iran rarely lose by much, so we expect them to make it close.

We think one moment of magic from Salah will decide a close game.

What is at stake in Group G?

Egypt are chasing 1st place and a smooth path into the knockouts.

For Iran it is even bigger, because reaching the knockout round would be a first in their history.

The other game, New Zealand vs Belgium, also matters, since Belgium can still climb into the top 2 if they win.

That makes every goal here count, with the whole group still in the balance.

Where and when can you watch?

The game is on Friday June 26, 2026, at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Kickoff is 20:00 (8:00 PM) Pacific time.

You can also see all the details on the match page.

Need a seat for it? Take a look at our World Cup tickets guide.