World Cup
Iran's World Cup hopes teeter after VAR offside call
Iran's World Cup hopes teetered after a VAR off‑side call erased defender Shojae Khalilzadeh's stoppage‑time strike against Egypt in Seattle on Friday. Polish referee Szymon Marciniak reviewed the incident, ruling the goal offside and leaving Iran's knockout fate hanging by a 24‑hour thread.
Khalilzadeh swept the ball into the Egyptian penalty area, slid on his knees and celebrated before the VAR review. The review concluded he was marginally offside, nullifying what appeared to be the decisive moment of the 2026 World Cup so far.
Soon after, Ramin Rezaeian unleashed a goal‑bound shot that was heroically blocked. Later, Saeid Ezatolahi headed towards goal, only to see the ball strike the crossbar and bounce out.
Iran entered the match unbeaten, with three draws and a zero goal difference in Group G. The team currently sits sixth in the third‑place ranking, where the top eight advance to the knockout stage.
A win would have secured second place and set up a Friday clash with Australia in Dallas, where VAR operations are based. Instead, Iran is pencilled to face Switzerland in Vancouver on Thursday, pending the final group results.
Referee Szymon Marciniak, who officiated the 2022 World Cup final and handed out three penalties in that match, was in charge of the Iran‑Egypt encounter. His decisions, including the off‑side ruling, have become the focal point of post‑match analysis.
Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei and his squad will learn by Saturday night whether they will extend their stay at the Mexican base in Tijuana. The outcome will determine if their World Cup journey continues beyond the group stage.
Egypt secured second place and will meet the Socceroos, while Belgium's four‑goal victory over New Zealand clinched the group’s top spot. Midfielder Mahmoud Saber opened the scoring after Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand parried Mohaed Salah's effort, and captain Mehdi Taremi later challenged Egypt defender Mohamed Abdelmonem in the box.
Outside Lumen Field, a diverse set of protests unfolded, including an anti‑Iranian regime march, a pro‑Israel small‑sided game and pro‑Palestine banners. The Seattle Police Department monitored the peaceful demonstrations without any violent flashpoints.