World Cup 2026: Iran vs Egypt Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds supplied by Betway and accurate when this was published.

Egypt take on Iran at Lumen Field in Seattle on Saturday morning, with kickoff at 05:00 CAT on the last matchday of Group G. Egypt lead the group and know a point will be enough to finish first, while Iran need a victory to put their qualification in their own hands. All our World Cup betting tips can be found in our dedicated section.

Iran

Iran have been tough to break down, drawing with New Zealand and then shutting out Belgium. Mehdi Taremi is their go to man in the final third, and Alireza Jahanbakhsh carries a threat out wide. With Egypt expected to drop deep and guard their position, I see Iran having lots of the ball without an obvious route to goal. There are no new injury worries and they will go all out for the win.

Probable Lineup: Beiranvand; Hajsafi, Khalilzadeh, Kanaanizadegan, Hajsafi; Rezaeian, Ezatolahi, Jahanbakhsh; Nemati, Taremi, Mohebi.

Egypt

Egypt come into the game best placed in the group after drawing with Belgium and claiming a first ever World Cup victory over New Zealand. Mohamed Salah is the clear threat, and Omar Marmoush offers another option on the break for an Egypt team that is most dangerous when it can counter quickly, which works well against an Iran side forced to chase the result. As I see it, Egypt will be happy to absorb pressure and wait for their chance.

Probable Lineup: Shobeir; Fotouh, Fathy, Ibrahim Hany; Lasheen, Attia; Ziko, Marmoush, Ashour; Salah.

This looks like being a tense, low-scoring game. Egypt have the stronger squad but need only a draw, while Iran are well drilled enough to stop them pulling away yet short of the firepower to win easily. I see each team scoring once in a close contest. My forecast: Iran 1 Egypt 1.

Under 2.5 Goals (1.44)

My pick is Under 2.5 Goals. Egypt have every reason to keep it tight, and Iran have scored just two goals in their first matches, so goals should be in short supply. With neither team keen to commit too many players forward, I expect a low scoring game, and at 1.44 the Under is the sensible play.