Seattle: Egypt coach Hossam Hassan offers support for Iran ahead of World Cup match

By Arjun Nair / 27.06.2026

By Arjun Nair — 27 June 2026 — 5 min read

Egypt and Iran face off in World Cup 2026

Egypt and Iran met in a World Cup 2026 group stage match in Seattle, with the game designated as a Pride Match. This designation occurred despite complaints from the Iranian and Egyptian football federations. Officials from the Seattle host committee noted that Pride Weekend was planned before the draw that paired the two countries.

The match saw both teams battling for position in their group. After 69 minutes of play, Egypt was set to finish second in the group, which would lead to a match against Australia in Dallas in the round of 32. Iran, on the other hand, was positioned to finish third, a result that could still be enough for them to advance to the knockouts.

During the match, Mohamed Salah was observed receiving ice for his left hamstring in the dugout after 58 minutes. Earlier, in the 43rd minute, Salah executed a spin that led to Ali receiving a yellow card for Iran. Ibrahim also received a yellow card in the 41st minute after a miscontrolled ball led to a follow-through on Ezatolahi.

The first half included five minutes of stoppage time. In the 45+2 minute, Ali delivered a cross from the left, which Khalilzadeh headed but without sufficient power or direction. Before the half, Trezequet went down under pressure from Rezaeian on the edge of the box.

In the 33rd minute, Iran created a dangerous counter-attack when Ghoddos won the ball in midfield and Taremi performed a stepover. However, Mohebi could not complete a one-two combination. The ball then broke for Ezatolahi in the box, but his left-footed shot went over the bar.

Earlier in the match, Saber received a yellow card for a challenge in midfield. Egypt earned a corner in the 20th minute after Hany’s shot was deflected wide. Salah had shown skill in the 18th minute, maneuvering into the box from an inside-right position.

Coaches’ remarks and team preparations

Ahead of the match, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan expressed support for the Iranian team amidst criticism regarding their scheduling and travel restrictions from co-hosts the United States. Hassan stated that all teams at the FIFA World Cup should be treated equally, emphasizing respect and fair play. He wished luck to all teams and specifically mentioned his respect for the Iranian team.

Iran’s manager, Amir Ghalenoei, reiterated that the US travel policies had impacted his squad’s fitness and preparations. He noted that his team was only allowed to arrive in Seattle two days before the match, a right he felt they should have had for previous games. Despite these challenges, Ghalenoei stated that his team would aim to overcome them.

Both coaches expressed mutual respect during their separate news conferences. Ghalenoei highlighted the shared ancient civilizations of their countries and expressed happiness about the match. He also acknowledged Egypt as a highly organized team with many skilled players beyond Mohamed Salah.

Egypt entered the match leading their group with four points, meaning a draw would be sufficient for them to qualify. Iran was in second place with two points, while Belgium also had two points and New Zealand had one. Hassan indicated his team would pursue victory regardless of the qualification calculations. Egypt had previously secured a 3-1 win against New Zealand, marking their first-ever World Cup victory.

Match dynamics and potential outcomes

The match was described as frantic, with both teams displaying different approaches. Egypt aimed to control possession and dictate the tempo, while Iran preferred direct, fast counter-attacks. The goalkeepers for both sides, Beiranvand for Iran and Shobeir for Egypt, were noted as decisive players early in the game, with Beiranvand making an error and Shobeir saving a penalty.

After 61 minutes, Taremi was crowded out while chasing a long ball, indicating Iran’s increasingly stretched play. Iran attempted to extend the playing area, but this tactic was considered low-percentage due to Taremi’s isolation. Earlier, in the 58th minute, Iran demonstrated composure in working the ball out from their penalty area, but their long ball was easily handled by the Egyptian defense.

Egypt maintained possession for much of the game, with Iran defending in a mid-block and attempting to press at midfield. However, Iran struggled to break through. In the 55th minute, when Iran gained possession, Egypt dropped back, but Team Melli continued to play long balls from their goalkeeper, seeking opportunities from Taremi’s aerial physicality.

In the 52nd minute, Trezeguet had a potential clear shot on goal from Salah’s cutback, but an Iranian defender intervened. Salah’s subsequent corner was whipped in dangerously, but Ibrahim and Lasheen interfered with each other while attempting to claim it. In the 49th minute, Trezeguet and Marmoush linked up for Egypt, but the final cross was poor. Salah kept the attack alive, and his pass to Trezeguet resulted in a shot that Beiranvand saved.

Iran showed early intent in the second half, with Ghoddos delivering a cross that Ezatolahi did not gamble for. The play was recycled, and Ezatolahi later shot over the bar. After 68 minutes, Marmoush managed to get out of a tight spot on the left, but his shot from outside the box was deflected wide by an Iranian defender. Following 64 minutes, Taremi conceded a free-kick despite appearing to be fouled, and the Iranian captain seemed increasingly isolated upfront.

The match included a hydration break at the 69-minute mark, allowing coaches to provide instructions. Another hydration break occurred after 23 minutes of play. Egypt continued to retain possession and build attacks subtly, with Zizo’s effort being deflected wide from inside the box in the 62nd minute. The corner was claimed by Beiranvand, who then launched a long punt downfield. In the 26th minute, Egypt resumed possession after a break, passing conservatively and occasionally moving the ball into midfield. The group leaders attempted a raid down the right, but Trezeguet lacked the physicality to create an opening. In the 30th minute, Trezeguet carried the ball down the left wing, cut inside, and curled a shot that went straight to Beiranvand. In the 28th minute, Iran attempted a slow buildup after unsuccessful long passes.

As things stood after 33 minutes, Belgium had taken the lead against New Zealand. This meant that Egypt was projected to top the group, with Belgium in second, and Iran relying on a favorable outcome to qualify in third place. Egypt enjoyed concerted pressure in the 45+4 minute, but could not create a clear opportunity. Hany’s cross was cleared, and Saber’s long-range effort went wide.

Source: theguardian.com