EGYvIRA 101 Preview: All you need to know when Egypt faces IR Iran in FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Seattle

The FIFA World Cup is finally here. Seattle will host four group stage matches, including the United States Men’s National Team, as well as a Round of 32 match and a Round of 16 match.

Fans hoping to attend FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Seattle can secure a tickets through our World Cup Bundle, go directly through FIFA for matches taking place at Seattle Stadium, or purchase all-inclusive hospitality packages HERE.

Here is everything you need to know about Egypt vs. IR Iran in Group G on June 26.

WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 8 p.m. PT at Seattle Stadium.

WHERE TO WATCH: The match will air on FOX and can be streamed on FOX One.ABOUT EGYPT:

FIFA ranking: 29

Manager: Hossam Hassan

Nickname: The Pharaohs

How they qualified: Egypt secured one of Africa’s automatic berths by winning their CAF qualifying group

World Cup appearances: 4

Overall World Cup record (W-L-T): 0-5-3

Best-ever finish: Group stage (1934, 1990, 2018)

2022 World Cup result: Did not qualify

2026 World Cup Matchday 1 result: Egypt drew Belgium 1-1 at Seattle Stadium on June 15. Emam Ashour opened the scoring for the Pharaohs before a Mohamed Hany own goal split the points.

Players to know:

Mohamed Salah, M: One of the world’s greatest players over the past decade, Salah is the heart and soul of this Egypt side. The Liverpool legend just finished nine unforgettable seasons on Merseyside and solidified himself as one of the English Premier League’s greatest ever players before departing this summer. Salah has 65 goals in 114 caps.

Omar Marmoush, F: Manchester City purchased Marmoush for roughly $75M from Germany’s Eintracht Frankfurt at the beginning of 2025. Despite an unproductive EPL campaign this past season, the 27-year-old forward is still one of Africa’s best strikers and has 11 goals in 50 caps.

Marwan Attia, M: Attia runs central midfield for the Pharaohs, as well as African club juggernaut Al Ahly. The 27-year-old has one goal in 35 caps.ABOUT IR IRAN:

FIFA ranking: 24

Manager: Amir Ghalenoei

Nickname: Team Melli

How they qualified: IR Iran came back to draw Uzbekistan 2-2 in Group A of AFC qualifying to secure their berth

World Cup appearances: 7

Overall World Cup record (W-L-T): 3-11-5

Best-ever finish: Group stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022)

2022 World Cup result: Did not advance past Group Stage

2026 World Cup Matchday 1 result: IR Iran drew New Zealand 2-2 at Los Angeles Stadium on June 15. Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi scored for IR Iran while Elijah Just recorded a brace for New Zealand.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Mehdi Taremi, F: The face of Team Melli for more than a decade, Taremi is one of the most decorated players in IR Iran history. His 50 goals are second all-time behind legendary forward Ali Daei, whose 108 international goals are third all-time behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The 33-year-old Taremi currently plies his trade for Greek powerhouse Olympiacos after a brief spell at Inter Milan and very successful four-year stint with FC Porto.

Mehdi Ghayedi, F: Ghayedi is one of IR Iran’s biggest threats in open space. The 27-year-old winger plays his club football with Al-Nasr in the United Arab Emirates and has eight goals in 29 caps.

Mohammad Mohebi, F: Another explosive winger, Mohebi scored the equalizer against New Zealand on Matchday 1. The 27-year-old, who has spent time in Portugal with Santa Clara and now suits up for Russia’s FC Rostov, has 14 goals in 36 caps.