Egypt secured qualification to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Iran in the final round of Group G matches.
Meanwhile, Belgium delivered a commanding performance, defeating New Zealand 5-1 to top the group and advance to the knockout stage.
Egypt Secure Historic Qualification
Egypt entered the match needing a result to confirm progression and managed to achieve their goal, finishing with five points.
Mahmoud Saber opened the scoring for Egypt in the 5th minute, giving the team an early advantage.
Iran had a chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but Mehdi Taremi missed the opportunity. However, Ramin Rezaeian later scored the equalizer in the 14th minute.
Match goals
– 5’ – Mahmoud Saber (Egypt)
– 14’ – Ramin Rezaeian (Iran)
The draw was enough for Egypt to qualify for the Round of 32 for the first time in their World Cup history.
Belgium’s Offensive Display
In the group’s other match, Belgium produced a dominant attacking performance to defeat New Zealand 5-1 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
Belgium’s goals were scored by:
– Leandro Trossard (2 goals)
– Kevin De Bruyne
– Romelu Lukaku
– Alexis Saelemaekers
This emphatic victory ensured Belgium finished top of the group with five points after two earlier draws against Egypt and Iran.
Group G Final Standings
At the end of the group stage:
– Belgium: 5 points (top of the group)
– Egypt: 5 points (qualified)
– Iran: eliminated
– New Zealand: 1 point (eliminated)
Belgium advanced as group leaders, while Egypt secured qualification alongside them.
New Zealand Exit Early
New Zealand ended their campaign with just one point, failing to compete effectively against stronger opponents in the group.
Key Highlights
– Egypt qualify for Round of 32
– 1-1 draw between Egypt and Iran
– Belgium defeat New Zealand 5-1
– Belgium top Group G
– Iran and New Zealand eliminated
Conclusion
Group G concluded with Egypt achieving a historic qualification and Belgium confirming their strength with a dominant victory. Both teams now move on to the knockout stage, while Iran and New Zealand exit the tournament.
