Egypt vs Iran World Cup Preview and How to Watch in the USA

Match basics and where to watch

Who: Egypt vs Iran. What: Final Group G match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. When: Friday, 26 June 2026, kick-off 11:00pm ET / 8:00pm PT (03:00 UTC on 27 June). Why it matters: Egypt have already secured progression after their first-ever World Cup win and sit on four points; Iran remain unbeaten but need a positive result to guarantee a historic first knockout qualification. For viewers in the United States, the match will be available across Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FS1, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV.

Why it matters

Egypt’s 3-1 comeback victory over New Zealand earned them their first-ever World Cup win and secured passage into the knockout rounds for the first time. That lifts the pressure but gives them a clear incentive to finish top of Group G. Iran, meanwhile, remain unbeaten after a 0-0 draw with Belgium but have never progressed past the group stage in six previous World Cup appearances; a win would guarantee their first-ever progression and rewrite their tournament history.

Egypt vs Iran: tactical snapshot and team news

Tactically the contest shapes up as Egypt’s pace and transition attack versus Iran’s compact defensive organization. Egypt’s forwards — led by Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush in the previews — thrive on quick combinations and transitions, while Iran are expected to rely on experience, defensive structure and low-error defending after selecting an unusually old starting XI against Belgium.

Squad concerns will influence selection. Egypt could be without Hamdy Fathy and Abdelmaguid after injuries sustained versus New Zealand; Rabia is mentioned as a possible defensive replacement. Iran are monitoring a hamstring problem to Rouzbeh Cheshmi that makes him unlikely to feature, and coach Amir Ghalenoei could introduce Alireza Jahanbakhsh to add attacking threat alongside Mehdi Taremi.

World Soccer Talk’s projected XIs (both sources' projections are listed as possible lineups): Egypt (4-2-3-1) — Shobeir; Fotouh, Ibrahim, Rabia, Hany; Lasheen, Ateya; Ashour, Salah, Ziko; Marmoush. Iran (5-3-2) — Beiranvand; Hajsafi, Kanaanizadegan, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Rezaeian; Mohebi, Ezatolahi, Ghoddos; Taremi, Jahanbakhsh.

Senegal vs Iraq: same day, different context

Also on Friday 26 June (kick-off 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT), Senegal meet Iraq in a Group match with both sides on zero points. Senegal have performed competitively against France and Norway but must win convincingly to have any realistic hope of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams. Iraq have conceded seven goals in two games and face a near-mathematical impossibility of qualification because of a -6 goal difference.

Injury notes from the preview: Senegal are without first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy (knee) with Mory Diaw expected to start; Iraq will miss Aymen Hussein (groin) and have uncertainty over Mohanad Ali Kadhim Al Shammari. Projected lineups supplied in the preview list Senegal in a 4-2-3-1 and Iraq in a cautious 4-1-4-1.

Key points

• Egypt already secured qualification after beating New Zealand and sit on four points in Group G.
• Iran remain unbeaten (0-0 v Belgium) but need a positive result to guarantee a first-ever knockout progression.
• Egypt vs Iran kick-off: 11:00pm ET / 8:00pm PT (Friday, 26 June).
• Senegal vs Iraq kick-off: 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT (Friday, 26 June); both sides have zero points.
• Both matches are available in the USA on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FS1, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV.
• Fubo subscription pricing cited in the previews: $14.99/month (includes broad device support).

What it means / What happens next

For Egypt, a positive result against Iran would secure top spot in Group G and shape their Round of 32 opponent. For Iran, a win would be historic — guaranteeing their first progression beyond the group stage — while a draw could leave their fate dependent on other results. Senegal must chase a big win to remain in contention for one of the best third-place slots; Iraq’s defensive record means they are fighting primarily for pride and to improve tournament performances.

Fans should expect tight tactical battles: Egypt’s attacking momentum versus Iran’s defensive discipline, and an attacking-onslaught approach from Senegal against an Iraq side set up to frustrate. Final team news and official starting XIs should be confirmed by the teams closer to kick-off.