SEATTLE: Egypt and Iran both go into their final group game on Friday with good chances of progress, but geopolitical tensions between Iran and co-hosts the United States plus the nations’ unease over local Pride celebrations loom large over the match.

A first World Cup win for seven-times African champions Egypt, 92 years after their debut, put them in charge though Iran’s dogged performances in draws with Belgium and New Zealand means victory could also see them top Group ‘G’.

The match will, however, be overshadowed by global events as the US and Iran seek to negotiate a lasting peace to the war launched by US and Israeli stri­kes in February, which quickly spiralled into a regional conflict.

Iran has had to grapple with travel restrictions, which coach Amir Ghalenoei said made them the tournament’s “most oppre­ssed team”, though the US said this week that Iran would be allowed to travel two days before the game instead of one.

The tensions are made all the more acute by the fact that Iran winning the group potentially sets up a clash with the US on July 6 for a place in the quarter-finals.

Long before that, though, Team Melli must overcome Egypt, who are buoyed by how they came from behind to beat New Zealand and assume control of a group which Belgium had been heavy favourites to win.

Egypt know a point is likely enough to top the group, which could tempt them to fall back into their familiar defensive mode despite letting loose in the second half against New Zealand.

The opportunity is there, though, to secure a last-32 game in Seattle against a third-placed team on July 1, possibly followed by a last-16 tie in the city, with Egypt based in nearby Spokane.

Meanwhile, Belgium come into their final Group ‘G’ game against New Zealand on Friday knowing they have to hit the ground running after two underwhelming displays in their opening matches.

Belgium opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Egypt in which they created plenty of chances but struggled to get them on target.

The alarm bells really started ringing with Lukaku leading the line as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Iran when they had 23 chances, with seven on target, without scoring.

Tipped by most to finish top, Belgium go into their final group game against the Kiwis in third place with two points, trailing leaders Egypt, who have four, and Iran on two but are second on goal difference. New Zealand must win and hope Iran fail to beat Egypt if they are to qualify.

Published in Dawn, June 26 , 2026