Belgium and Egypt Qualify for the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Belgium and Egypt have progressed to the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after concluding their final Group G fixtures with differing outcomes. Belgium claimed a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand, while Egypt played out a 1-1 draw against Iran, who still retain qualification chances via the best third-place ranking pathway.

Playing at BC Place, Vancouver, Jeremy Doku, Brandon Mechele and Youri Tielemans took turns probing New Zealand's backline throughout the opening exchanges, but were unable to register an early goal.

Leandro Trossard struck the goalpost with his 11th minute effort, while Kevin De Bruyne saw his goalscoring chance denied by an outstanding save from New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe.

Belgium's sustained pressure finally produced a goal in the 28th minute courtesy of Trossard's solo individual run and finish. Belgium held a 1-0 lead heading into the half-time interval.

Five minutes after the restart, Trossard doubled Belgium's advantage after converting an assist from Hans Vanaken. A VAR review was conducted for the goal, but the strike was allowed to stand, extending Belgium's lead to 2-0.

Kevin De Bruyne stretched the lead to 3-0 in the 67th minute, firing a powerful long-range strike from outside the penalty area.

New Zealand pulled one goal back in the 84th minute through Elijah Just's volleyed finish, only for Belgium to respond immediately.

Romelu Lukaku, who had only just been introduced as a substitute, needed just 60 seconds on the pitch to score with a headed finish.

Alexis Saelemaekers rounded off Belgium's goal haul in stoppage time, confirming the emphatic 5-1 final scoreline. This result secured Belgium's place in the Round of 32 as unbeaten Group G winners.

Egypt and Iran Share the Points

In the parallel Group G fixture held in Seattle, Egypt and Iran contested a tight physical duel from the opening whistle. Egypt took a 5th minute lead through Mahmoud Saber, who converted the loose rebound after Mohamed Salah's initial shot was not properly held by Iranian goalkeeper Safar Beiranvand.

Iran were awarded a penalty just four minutes later, after Abdelmonem fouled Mehdi Taremi inside the 18-yard box. However, Taremi's spot kick was well saved by Egypt's Mostafa Shobeir.

Iran eventually found their equaliser in the 14th minute. Ramin Rezaeian pounced on another loose ball from Shobeir's save to fire home, making the score 1-1 where it remained until half time.

Throughout the second half, Egypt looked to unlock Iran's defence via the creative play of Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Trezeguet, while Iran consistently threatened on rapid counter attacks.

Iran came agonisingly close to stealing a late victory: Mehdi Taremi's 89th minute header crashed against the crossbar, before a stoppage time strike from Shojae Khalilzadeh was ruled out for offside following a full VAR review.

The 1-1 scoreline held until the final whistle. This single point was sufficient to confirm Egypt's progression to the Round of 32 as Group G runners-up, while Iran will now await results from all other groups to see if they qualify as one of the eight best third placed teams.