The decisive match in Group G, played on the morning of June 27th, witnessed immense disappointment for the Iranian team. In the final moments of injury time, center-back Shoja seized the opportunity to score against Egypt, causing the entire team and Iranian fans in the stands to erupt in joy.
This moment seemed poised to send Iran confidently into the knockout round as the second-placed team in the group, but VAR intervened, determining that Shoja's boot protruded only a few centimeters from the heel of the Egyptian player at the bottom of the group. Those few centimeters were barely visible to the naked eye, but they were enough to negate Iran's goal due to offside.
Shoja's regret (4) when his goal was disallowed due to offside
PHOTO: REUTERS
Iran had to settle for a 1-1 draw, watching Egypt secure direct qualification to the knockout round as group runners-up. They finished third in Group G, having to wait for the group stage to determine if they would advance. Currently, the Asian representative ranks sixth among the best third-placed teams. However, regardless of the outcome, the Iranian team deserves praise. Despite the difficulties they faced before and during the 2026 World Cup , "Team Melli" showed courage and finished the group stage undefeated (three draws). After seven appearances at the biggest football event on the planet, this is the first time Iran has not lost in the group stage. In the other Group G match, Belgium secured a resounding 5-1 victory over New Zealand, earning their place in the next round as group winners.
In Group H, yesterday morning's 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia helped newcomer Cabo Verde secure second place in a group that includes two former world champions, Spain and Uruguay. The team from the small island nation displayed a tight defensive style and a tenacious fighting spirit to stand firm against strong opponents. The "Blue Sharks'" miraculous run at the 2026 World Cup began with a stunning 0-0 draw against reigning European champions Spain, creating a solid psychological springboard. Continuing their momentum, Cabo Verde held Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in a match where the African team proved they are not just a defensive "dead-guard" team.
Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 to advance as group winners. Uruguay was eliminated in disappointment, finishing third in Group H with only 2 points after 3 matches. In Group I, France continued to showcase their strength by beating Norway 4-1. At the same time, Senegal thrashed Iraq 5-0, progressing to the knockout round as third-placed in Group I.
28 teams have secured their knockout spots.
As of June 27th, 28 teams have secured their places in the Round of 32: Mexico, South Africa (Group A); Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina (Group B); Brazil, Morocco (Group C); USA, Australia, Paraguay (Group D); Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador (Group E); Netherlands, Japan, Sweden (Group F), Belgium, Egypt (Group G); Spain, Cabo Verde (Group H), France, Norway, Senegal (Group I); Argentina (Group J); Colombia, Portugal (Group K); England, Ghana (Group L).
The nine pairings for the round of 32 have also been revealed: Germany - Paraguay, France - Sweden, South Africa - Canada, Netherlands - Morocco, USA - Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil - Japan, Ivory Coast - Norway, Argentina - Cabo Verde, Australia - Egypt.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-centimet-nghiet-nga-voi-iran-185260627232236833.htm
