FIFA World Cup 2026: Salah Chasing Historic Scoring Record as Egypt Face Iran

All eyes will be on Mohamed Salah when Egypt take on Iran in their decisive Group G clash at Seattle Stadium. The Pharaohs’ captain is on the brink of history: one goal would make him Egypt’s outright all-time top scorer with 69, surpassing current head coach Hossam Hassan.

Egypt enter the match with confidence after securing their first-ever World Cup victory, a 3-1 win over New Zealand on Matchday 2.

Salah has been directly involved in every one of Egypt’s World Cup goals across his four appearances, underlining his pivotal role. Midfielder Marwan Attia also impressed against New Zealand, completing 82 passes, the most ever by an Egyptian at a World Cup, and regaining possession nine times.

With qualification already assured, Egypt can clinch top spot with a win, while even a draw could suffice if Belgium fail to beat New Zealand.

Iran, meanwhile, are chasing history of their own. Despite drawing both of their opening fixtures, they remain in contention for a knockout berth, something they have never achieved in six previous World Cup appearances.

Statistically, Iran have struggled, ranking bottom in Group G for shots, shots on target, and expected goals, while facing the most attempts against them. Yet a victory over Egypt, combined with Belgium failing to win, would see them finish first.

Their goalless draw with Belgium also made headlines, as they fielded the oldest starting XI in tournament history, with an average age of 32 years and 181 days, including three players aged 36 or older.

This fixture marks the first World Cup meeting between Egypt and Iran. Their only previous encounter came in the 2000 LG Cup in Tehran, which ended 1-1 before Egypt triumphed 8-7 on penalties.