Belgium, Egypt into World Cup last 32 as Iran face anxious wait after stoppage-time drama

1-1 draw sees Pharaohs finish second in Group G as Iran’s late winner is ruled out

A draw tonight in Seattle would help set up a situation where Iran plays its next two games at a Canadian stadium, rather than again in the United States, a scenario that would offer the Trump administration a two-week reprieve from the complicated task of trying to host a tournament while imposing unique travel restrictions on just one of the 48 competitors.

The fallout from the late drama reshaped the qualification picture, ensuring Egypt secured automatic passage to the last 32 alongside Belgium, who comprehensively defeated New Zealand 5-1 in Vancouver to seal top spot on goal difference.

Iran thought they had snatched a famous win after Shoja Khalilzadeh fired home in the 93rd minute, only for VAR to intervene.