- Egypt and Iran each have 1 point from their opening FIFA World Cup, Group G 2026 games (Egypt 4th, Iran 2nd on goal difference).
- Egypt have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 1 of their last 5 matches in all competitions, including a 1-1 draw with Belgium in Group G and a close 2-1 loss away to Brazil in a friendly.
Egypt's Salah to make the difference
Hossam Hassan's 4-3-3 is fluid enough to change shape and dynamic enough to utilise a range of attacking options, but the Pharaohs will always be centered around Mohamed Salah.
Egypt have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 1 of their last 5 international matches, including a 1-1 Group G draw against Belgium and a hard-fought 2-1 loss away to Brazil in a high-profile friendly.
Hassan's men have built momentum since he took charge in February 2024, leveraging patient midfield play and exploding forward on the break with Salah at the focus of their attacks.
Iran's structure and discipline should trouble the Pharaohs
Amir Ghalenoei's Iran have won 3, drawn 1 and lost just 1 of their 5 international matches since he was appointed as manager in March 2023, including an impressive 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Group G.
That result followed a 2-0 victory against Mali in a warm-up match for the FIFA World Cup and Iran will come to Seattle hoping to build on the point they gained in the opening match.
Ghalenoei's 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 structure is always built around defensive solidity and disciplined midfield lines and he has worked hard to get the Iranians to play a clever and patient game when they're on the ball.
Iran can stifle the opponents in Seattle
Egypt are the favourites here at 2.07 with Iran priced at 4.0 and the draw at 3.15, which seems a little low considering the two teams are level on points from their Group G matches so far.
However, the Iranians are always a threat to keep things tight and counterattack when they can and we think the value lies in the 'Under 2.5 goals' market at 1.56.
This will be a cagey game that is heightened by the fact that it is a FIFA 'Pride Match', with an international significance that goes way beyond sport.
Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their last Group G match and we've seen some protests in Seattle ahead of Saturday's game, which could make a counter-driven Iran tough to break down.
The quality and form of Egypt should be enough to edge them this one, but Iran's recent form and game plan should ensure a cagey battle at Seattle Stadium.
