Egypt versus Iran
- Kick-off:
- Stadium: Lumen Field · Seattle, United States
Egypt
Egypt return after a 16-year absence, having last appeared in 2018. The Pharaohs qualified comfortably from CAF on the back of Mohamed Salah's prolonged peak — the Liverpool forward, now in his early thirties, remains the unquestioned focal point. Hossam Hassan, the legendary striker turned manager, took over in 2024 and has paired Salah with Trezeguet (Trabzonspor) and Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes) in a counter-attacking 4-2-3-1. Defensively the team relies on the discipline of Mohamed Hany and Ahmed Hegazy. Group G with Belgium, Iran and New Zealand offers a path to second place if Salah produces, but Egypt have lost six of their last seven group-stage appearances — breaking that pattern is the entire mission.
Iran
Iran return for a fourth consecutive tournament — the longest streak in their history — with the squad finally maturing into a knockout-capable side. Amir Ghalenoei, retained through 2026, runs a deep, organised 4-3-3 anchored by Sardar Azmoun (Shabab Al-Ahli) and Mehdi Taremi (Inter Milan), the most prolific Iranian striker pair in modern memory. Alireza Jahanbakhsh provides veteran experience on the wing; Saeid Ezatolahi and Saman Ghoddos screen midfield. Team Melli have never advanced past the group stage in 15 prior attempts, but the 2022 squad came within seconds of doing so against the United States. Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand is the most winnable draw they have ever received — second place is a genuine target.
Lumen Field
Lumen Field hosts six matches in 2026, including round-of-32 fixtures, anchoring the tournament in the Pacific Northwest. Located in downtown Seattle, the venue opened in 2002 and is shared by the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise and the Seattle Sounders MLS side — the latter consistently among the highest-attended clubs in MLS, with a deeply established football culture. Capacity for football is approximately 68,700. Lumen Field has been a natural-grass venue throughout its lifespan, requiring no conversion. Climate: Seattle summer is the most reliable in the United States — long daylight, temperatures of 18-24°C, and rain risk genuinely low during June-July despite the city's reputation. The Sounders' established supporter base will give the venue an authentic home-game atmosphere even for neutral matches.