Belgium Top Group G as Egypt Survive Late Iran Scare to Reach World Cup Knockouts

Belgium finished top of Group G at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a convincing 5-1 victory over New Zealand, while Egypt held on for a dramatic 1-1 draw against Iran to secure their place in the knockout rounds.

Belgium and Egypt both ended the group stage with five points, but the Red Devils claimed first place on goal difference. Egypt finished second, while Iran, with three points, must now wait to see if they can qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. New Zealand were eliminated after losing all hopes of progression.

Belgium went into their final match needing a big win to have any chance of overtaking Egypt at the top of the table, and they delivered in style. The Europeans defeated New Zealand 5-1 to complete a remarkable turnaround after disappointing results in their opening two matches.

In Seattle, Egypt and Iran played out a tense and dramatic encounter that kept fans on edge until the final whistle. Egypt took the lead early on, but Iran quickly responded through Ramin Rezaeian after goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir had saved Mehdi Taremi’s penalty.

The draw appeared enough to send Egypt through, but the Pharaohs were forced to endure a nervy finish. Iran pushed hard for a winner and thought they had found it in stoppage time, only for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to rule out the goal for offside.

Iran created several other chances to secure victory but were unable to find the decisive goal that would have guaranteed their place in the last 32.

Egypt also suffered an injury concern after captain Mohamed Salah was substituted in the second half with ice and strapping visible around his left thigh and hamstring, raising fears ahead of the knockout stages.

The final Group G standings saw Belgium finish first with five points, Egypt second with five points, Iran third with three points, and New Zealand at the bottom of the table.

While Belgium and Egypt can now prepare for the knockout rounds, Iran’s World Cup future remains uncertain as they await the outcome of the remaining group-stage matches.