Clash of Titans: The Pharaohs and Team Melli Face Off in Emerald City
Line-ups 🇪🇬 EGY 4-2-3-1 🇮🇷 IRN 5-4-1
Coach: Hossam Hassan
Starting XI
- 23 Mostafa Shobeir G
- 3 Mohamed Hany D
- 5 Ramy Rabia D
- 6 Mohamed Abdelmonem D
- 13 Ahmed Fatouh D
- 17 Mohanad Lasheen M
- 21 Mahmoud Saber M
- 8 Emam Ashour M
- 10 Mohamed Salah M
- 7 Trézéguet M
- 11 Mostafa Ziko F
Substitutes
- 2 Yasser Ibrahim D
- 19 Marwan Attia M
- 22 Omar Marmoush F
- 25 Zizo F
- 1 Mohamed El Shenawy G
- 16 El Mahdy Soliman G
- 26 Mohamed Alaa G
- 15 Karim Hafez D
- 24 Tarek Alaa D
- 18 Nabil Donga M
- 12 Haissem Hassan F
- 20 Ibrahim Adel F
- 9 Hamza Abdelkarim F
Coach: Amir Ghalenoei
Starting XI
- 1 Alireza Beiranvand G
- 23 Ramin Rezaeian D
- 13 Hossein Kanaani D
- 4 Shojae Khalilzadeh D
- 19 Ali Nemati D
- 5 Milad Mohammadi D
- 14 Saman Ghoddos M
- 21 Mohammad Ghorbani M
- 6 Saeid Ezatolahi M
- 8 Mohammad Mohebi M
- 9 Mehdi Taremi F
Substitutes
- 2 Saleh Hardani D
- 12 Payam Niazmand G
- 22 Hossein Hosseini G
- 3 Ehsan Hajsafi D
- 25 Danial Eiri D
- 15 Rouzbeh Cheshmi M
- 17 Aria Yousefi D
- 26 Amirmohammad Razzaghinia M
- 10 Mehdi Ghayedi F
- 7 Alireza Jahanbakhsh F
- 16 Mehdi Torabi M
- 11 Ali Alipour F
- 18 Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh F
- 20 Shahriyar Moghanlou F
- 24 Dennis Eckert F
Lumen Field prepares for a historic showdown as Egypt and Iran collide in a pivotal Group G clash. With Mohamed Salah in lethal form, having contributed to a goal and an assist in his first two matches, Egypt’s attack under Hossam Hassan appears primed for high-octane football. Conversely, Iran’s Amir Ghalenoei has orchestrated a resilient, defensive-minded side, anchored by the versatile Ramin Rezaeian. With Rezaeian already securing a clean sheet and a goal to his name, this tactical battle between the Pharaohs’ flair and Team Melli’s grit promises a compelling narrative of contrast.
The atmospheric intensity of Seattle’s Lumen Field will serve as the backdrop for a match that carries significant weight for the knockout stage trajectory. Following Egypt's strong start and Iran’s back-to-back draws against formidable opposition, both sides view this fixture as a decisive opportunity to secure their place in the tournament hierarchy. The stakes are immense; a victory here would not only provide three crucial points but signal a definitive statement of intent from two of the world's most storied footballing nations.
Head to head
Matches between Egypt and Iran are rare on the global stage, making this 2026 World Cup encounter a historic rarity. While the Pharaohs hold a record-breaking tally of continental titles in Africa, Iran arrives with the prestige of a perennial Asian qualifying powerhouse, ensuring this contest serves as a fascinating measuring stick for two titans of their respective regions.
Players to watch
The talismanic winger is the offensive heartbeat of the side, coming off a player-of-the-match performance that showcased his ability to break deadlock scenarios.
Operating with dual defensive and attacking duties, he has been Iran's most complete performer, providing a defensive shut-out alongside a crucial goal contribution.
With 60 goals in over 100 caps, he remains the focal point for an Iranian attack that seeks to exploit any lapse in the Egyptian defensive line.
Fun facts
- Lumen Field is renowned for its noise, holding a world record for the loudest crowd roar in a sports stadium.
- Egypt remains the most successful team in African Cup of Nations history with seven titles.
- Iran’s Ehsan Hajsafi enters this tournament with a remarkable 146 caps, highlighting his longevity in international football.
- This match marks a rare FIFA World Cup meeting between the cradle of Nile civilization and the ancient Persian empire.
- Seattle was a host city during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, cementing its legacy as a premier American soccer destination.