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Egypt will meet Iran in their final Group G fixture at the 2026 World Cup, with both sides eyeing the coveted top position in the table.

This Egypt vs Iran clash promises to be one of the most intriguing games of the group stage — a genuine toss-up where either team could finish first by the time the whistle blows at 6 a.m. British time.

At the same time, Belgium face New Zealand in the other Group G encounter. The All Whites are the only team among the four that can no longer claim the top spot.

Despite that, all four nations still have a mathematical chance of progressing to the knockout rounds. Securing first place would ensure a more favourable route to the Round of 16 — and possibly the quarter-finals — a fact both Egypt and Iran are acutely aware of.

Before Monday’s match, Egypt — the most decorated team in Africa Cup of Nations history — had never recorded a win at the World Cup finals.

That changed dramatically as Mohamed Salah, widely regarded as Africa’s greatest ever footballer, inspired the Pharaohs to a 3-1 triumph over New Zealand.

Salah will once again be pivotal if Egypt are to claim back-to-back victories and secure a strong position heading into the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup.

Omar Marmoush, though yet to truly light up the tournament in North America, remains a latent threat — a player capable of turning half-chances into goals when given even the slightest opening.

Together, Salah and Marmoush form one of the most fearsome attacking duos on the African continent, and Iran will be fully aware of the danger they pose.

For Iran, there’s also optimism. Egypt’s historically poor record at World Cups gives the Asian side belief that they can pull off the result needed to progress.

Even Egypt’s golden generations struggled to make an impact on the world stage, and although Monday’s win may have helped Salah’s team move past that mental block, such ghosts are not easily exorcised.

Adding to the intrigue, Egypt are the only team in Group G already assured of qualification, which raises the possibility of complacency creeping in — especially if Iran manage to take an early lead.

The Iranians have their own motivation too: a potential Round of 16 showdown with the United States, the team that has long been their symbolic World Cup rival. To make that happen, Iran must win this match and hope results elsewhere go their way.

For Egypt, one of their main advantages is a rejuvenated Mohamed Salah, who appears to be playing with more confidence than he has shown for most of the 2025/26 club season.

The Liverpool and Premier League icon endured a difficult campaign under Arne Slot, often playing out of position and shouldering extra responsibility amid an unsettled squad. Yet, in national colours, Salah seems to have rediscovered his rhythm and leadership.

Supporting him are several in-form teammates, including right-back Mohamed Hany, recent attacking spark Mostafa Ziko, and the energetic midfielder Emam Ashour — all of whom have made key contributions during the group stage.

Overall, this contest looks set to end in a tightly fought draw, with Egypt maintaining their lead at the top of the group, while Iran advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

Prediction: Egypt 2-2 Iran