Sunday, July 19, 2026

2026 World Cup: Egypt draw Iran, advance with Belgium to round of 32

Mahmoud Saber took the lead for Egypt in the fifth minute, but Ramin Razaeian drew for Iran in the 19th minute.

• June 27, 2026
Pharaohs of Egypt(Photo Credit:X)

The Pharoahs of Egypt on Saturday became the fourth African team to qualify for the round of 32 at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, after settling for a 1-1 draw against Iran in their final Group G match at the Lumen Field in Washington, United States of America.

Mahmoud Saber took the lead for Egypt in the fifth minute, but Ramin Razaeian drew for Iran in the 19th minute. Both teams however failed to break the deadlock for the remainder of the match.

In the group’s other final tie, played at the same time, the Red Devils of Belgium walloped New Zealand 5-1 at the BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Leandro Trossard opened scoring for Belgium in the 28th minute, before adding another in the 50th minute, for his brace. Kevin de Bruyne made it three in the 66th minute but Elijah Just reduced the deficit for the All Whites, in the 84th minute. Romelu Lukaku made it four for Belgium in the 86th minute before Alexis Saelemaekers crowned up the win in the 94th minute.

Belgium finished the group tops with five points, same with second-placed Egypt but on goal difference. While third placed Iran with three points are now waiting for results elsewhere to be sure of their round of 32 qualification status, bottom-placed New Zealand with only one point, have crashed out of the tournament.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

ECOWAS

Hot news Home top

Tinubu urges ECOWAS to present united voice against Afro-phobic attacks in South Africa

Mr Tinubu condemned, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on Nigerian citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa.

Apprehended suspects

Hot news Home top

How I took N1million ransom to Osun after my five-year-old daughter’s abduction from Ibadan home: Mother

Mrs Gbemiga said the abduction caused anxiety and led to a call from an unknown person who initially demanded N10 million ransom.

Scene of the accident.

Heading 3

Three youngsters die, one battling for life as speeding vehicle rams into Abuja bridge

A FRSC Route Commander, Jubrin Lawal, who led the rescue operation, said that three of the four men in the vehicle died on the spot.

NRS

NationWide

NRS gives large taxpayers July 31 deadline for e-invoicing compliance

Mr Adekambi described large taxpayers as companies with gross turnover of N5 billion and above.

Basket of fruits

Abuja

Residents consider healthy diets amid concerns over processed foods

Mr Akuba said the growing public interest in food quality presented an opportunity to improve nutrition awareness across communities.