Iran’s knockout status hangs by a thread after most dramatic – and agonising – World Cup moment so far
For an Iran squad whose simple presence at these World Cup Finals was a precariously run thing for so many months, the continuation of their unprecedented journey in North America is hanging, like so many others, by an excruciating 24-hour thread. But only after the most enthralling – and agonising – seven minutes of stoppage time you will ever see.
For West Ham in May, see Iran in June: glorious goalscoring moments at the death taken away in the cruellest of ways. It seemed time stood still in the Egypt penalty area as Iran defender Shojae Khalilzadeh swept the ball home before sliding on his knees towards his euphoric teammates pitchside, in what was the moment of the 2026 World Cup so far. And yet, heartbreakingly, the Iran defender did not cater for the two most unpopular words in football. “After review,” said Polish referee Szymon Marciniak. VAR had its say. We know what comes next.
Kieran Jackson in Seattle27 June 2026 06:44
Iran’s knockout status hangs by a thread after most dramatic – and agonising – World Cup moment so far
For an Iran squad whose simple presence at these World Cup Finals was a precariously run thing for so many months, the continuation of their unprecedented journey in North America is hanging, like so many others, by an excruciating 24-hour thread. But only after the most enthralling – and agonising – seven minutes of stoppage time you will ever see.
For West Ham in May, see Iran in June: glorious goalscoring moments at the death taken away in the cruellest of ways. It seemed time stood still in the Egypt penalty area as Iran defender Shojae Khalilzadeh swept the ball home before sliding on his knees towards his euphoric teammates pitchside, in what was the moment of the 2026 World Cup so far. And yet, heartbreakingly, the Iran defender did not cater for the two most unpopular words in football. “After review,” said Polish referee Szymon Marciniak. VAR had its say. We know what comes next.
Kieran Jackson in Seattle27 June 2026 06:44
FT: Egypt 1-2 Iran
Iran’s Saeid Ezatolahi, Mehdi Taremi and Ali Nemati in action as the ball hits the cross bar (Reuters)
Iran’s Shoja Khalilzadeh celebrates scoring a goal with teammates that was later disallowed (Reuters)
Jack Rathborn27 June 2026 06:22
It’s full-time in Seattle, chaos at the end, but Iran are forced to settle for a point, as they remain unbeaten and should still advance as a third-place team.
Egypt are fortunate and move forward to a last 32 tie with Australia.
While Belgium’s 5-1 win over New Zealand sees them top the group.
Jack Rathborn27 June 2026 06:09
GOAL RULED OUT! Egypt 1-2 Iran
90+3 mins: It was ruled out by VAR, offside and heartbreak for Iran, with Khalilzadeh’s wild celebration in vain.
Jack Rathborn27 June 2026 06:03
GOAL! Egypt 1-2 Iran (Khalilzadeh)
90+3 mins: It’s bedlam in Seattle, Iran have won it! Khalilzadeh sweeps home, Egypt a shambles.
Iran made a mess of it too, Ghorbani should have scored initially, before the loose ball dropped to Khalilzadeh after Shobeir spilt it.
Jack Rathborn27 June 2026 05:58
Taremi rises high at the corner, he gets there first and heads onto the bar!
A foul is given on Shobeir, but VAR would have reversed that and given a goal if Taremi had finished, very fortunate for Egypt.
Jack Rathborn27 June 2026 05:54
84 mins: Scrap that last post, Belgium are 4-1 up, Lukaku has his goal, now the Red Devils are top again, this time on +3, Egypt on +2…
Jack Rathborn27 June 2026 05:49
83 mins: Egypt back top! They’ve scored more goals, and New Zealand have pulled a crucial goal back against Belgium, trailing 3-1, but it enables the Pharaohs to go back up with more goals on +2 GD.
Lasheen pinches the ball and then unleashes a strike, but it’s dragged wide of the near post.
Jack Rathborn27 June 2026 05:48
78 mins: Egypt are dangerous on the break with Marmoush using his pace.
Iran pushing for that winner now an taking risks. Rezaeian was too strong for Ashour there and looking to be direct in transition.
Iran’s Mehdi Taremi in action with Egypt’s Mohamed Hany and Omar Marmoush (Reuters)
Jack Rathborn27 June 2026 05:46