Egypt and Iran can both still hope to go deep in the World Cup bracket by qualifying from Group G.
There is much at stake, and the teams are so well-matched that the draw looks the value play.
Read on for my Egypt vs. Iran predictions and World Cup picks for Friday, June 26, in Seattle. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 pm ET.
Who will win Egypt vs Iran : Draw (+166)
One of the questions for bettors to consider before this game is: would both teams be happy with a draw?
A draw would ensure that Egypt qualify for the knockout phase (although not necessarily in first place in Group G — Belgium can overtake them). And a draw would almost ensure that Iran qualify for the knockout phase as well — they would have 3pts from their three group games — although, at the time of writing, with so much conjecture over who the best-placed third-placed teams will be and how many points they will require, we cannot be sure about that.
While there is some uncertainty over the motivation of the two sides to go out and win the game, we can say with some confidence that the teams are well-matched. They sit 20th (Iran) and 29th (Egypt) in the FIFA rankings and have performed to a similar standard in their opening two games.
If you take their displays against Belgium, for example, there was little to pick between the pair. Iran were more defensive in drawing 0-0 than Egypt were in their 1-1 stalemate, but the performance level was about the same.
Playable to +150.
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TOp pick
Egypt vs Iran Over/Under pick: Over 2.5 (+170)
It is a surprise to find that Over 2.5 Goals is the massive outsider of two in the Over/Under market. The chances of the game having three or more goals are underrated.
Two of the teams’ four matches so far have had Over 2.5 Goals: Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1, while Iran drew 2-2 vs the same opposition. A small sample size it may be, but those two matches showed that these nations can both score and concede goals.
The xGs (Expected Goals) of the four games involving these two sides also point towards Overs rather than Unders. Egypt’s two games have averaged 2.77 xG, while Iran’s two matches have averaged 2.58.
The longer the game stays goalless, the more the two teams may start to focus on defending rather than taking risks in attack. Should one team take the lead, however, potentially jeopardising the other’s hopes of finishing where they want to be in the group, the game should open up.
Playable to +150.
Egypt vs Iran projected lineup
Egypt (4-2-3-1): Shoubir; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Fatouh; Attia, Lashin; Salah, Ashour, Ziko; Marmoush
Iran (5-4-1): Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Kanani, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Hajisafi; Jahanbakhsh, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi, Mohebbi; Taremi
Egypt vs Iran injuries
Egypt: Fathy CM (Out), Abdelmaguid CB (Out).
Iran : Cheshmi CM (Out), Ghoddos CM (Doubtful).
Egypt vs Iran weather
A mild evening with temperatures in the mid 60s is expected. There is a strong chance of rain at some point in the match
Egypt vs Iran odds
| Egypt | Iran | |
|---|---|---|
| +150 | Moneyline | +300 |
| +178 | Draw | +178 |
| Over 2.5 (+186) | Total | Under 2.5 (-194) |
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
How to watch Egypt vs Iran
Check out FIFA's official 2026 World Cup website for more information.
| Location | Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington |
| Date | Friday, June 26, 2026 |
| Time | 11 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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