World Cup 2026: Egypt back 4-2-3-1 with Salah against Iran’s five-man defence

Egypt face unbeaten Iran in World Cup 2026 Group G at Lumen Field, with Hossam Hassan choosing a 4-2-3-1 led by Mohamed Salah against Amir Ghalenoei’s 5-3-2.

Henry DONCHE

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On 27 Jun 2026 at 03:33 Updated 27 Jun 2026

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Illustration du match Égypte VS Iran, le 27/06/2026 04:00, stade Lumen Field

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The World Cup 2026 Group G match between Egypt and Iran takes place on June 27 at 4:00 a.m. GMT+1 at Lumen Field in Seattle. The two nations, who have already played two matches in this group stage, are looking to improve their position. Egypt, buoyed by their 3-1 win over New Zealand, face an Iran side who remain unbeaten with two draws, including a 0-0 against Belgium. This clash looks decisive for qualification hopes in a group where neither Egypt nor Iran have won more than one match.

Egypt line up in a 4-2-3-1 system under the guidance of Hossam Hassan. The starting XI includes Mostafa Shobeir in goal, with a defence of Mohamed Hany, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Rami Rabia and Ahmed Fatouh. The double pivot in midfield is made up of Mahmoud Saber and Mohanad Lasheen. Supporting striker Mahmoud Trézéguet, Mohamed Salah operates in an attacking playmaker role, flanked by Mostafa Ziko and Emam Ashour on the wings.

On the Iranian side, head coach Amir Ghalenoei has opted for a 5-3-2 shape, prioritising a reinforced defence. Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand is protected by a line of five defenders — Ramin Rezaeian, Hossein Kanaani, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Ali Nemati and Milad Mohammadi. The three-man midfield brings together Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Ghorbani and Saeid Ezatolahi. The attack is built around the pairing of Mehdi Taremi and Mohammad Mohebi.

Of note is the absence of Hossam Abdelmaguid for Egypt, suspended by decision of the sports tribunal, which affects coach Hassan’s defensive options. The benches come from supplied lists, but the starters clearly show each team’s intentions in terms of style and strategy at this stage of the competition.

Reading Egypt’s XI

Hossam Hassan fields a classic 4-2-3-1 that combines solidity with attacking creativity. Mostafa Shobeir keeps goal, protected by a traditional back four including Mohamed Abdelmonem and Rami Rabia, who are used to international demands. The midfield double pivot of Mahmoud Saber and Mohanad Lasheen will have the essential task of winning the ball back and organising the build-up.

In attack, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah is the key man in the side, playing just behind striker Mahmoud Trézéguet, who leads the line. The wings are manned by Mostafa Ziko and Emam Ashour, bringing balance and width. The setup therefore gives Egypt numerous ways to vary their play, combining control of midfield with the use of the creative qualities of their attacking midfielders.

Reading Iran’s XI

The 5-3-2 system chosen by Amir Ghalenoei highlights defensive solidity, with five defenders covering a wide area. Alireza Beiranvand, in goal, is supported by a robust rearguard featuring players such as Shoja Khalilzadeh and Milad Mohammadi on the flanks, and Hossein Kanaani in the centre.

The midfield combines the presence of Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Ghorbani and Saeid Ezatolahi both to defend and initiate play. In attack, the duo of Mehdi Taremi and Mohammad Mohebi are tasked with converting the few opportunities that may arise against the Egyptian defence. This setup reveals a cautious approach, focused on defensive security and quick counterattacks.

The starting XIs

Egypt

System4-2-3-1Head coachHossam Hassan

Starters11

23 Mostafa Shobeir Goalkeeper
3 Mohamed Hany Defender
6 Mohamed Abdelmonem Defender
5 Rami Rabia Defender
13 Ahmed Fatouh Defender
21 Mahmoud Saber Midfielder
17 Mohanad Lasheen Midfielder
11 Mostafa Ziko Midfielder
10 Mohamed Salah Midfielder
8 Emam Ashour Midfielder
7 Mahmoud Trézéguet Forward

Substitutes13

1 Mohamed El-Shenawy
16 Mahdi Soliman
26 Mohamed Alaa
2 Yasser Ibrahim
15 Karim Hafez
24 Tarek Alaa
18 Nabil Donga
19 Marwan Attia
12 Haissem Hassan
20 Ibrahim Adel
25 Zizo
9 Hamza Abdelkarim
22 Omar Marmoush

Iran

System5-3-2Head coachAmir Ghalenoei

Starters11

1 Alireza Beiranvand Goalkeeper
23 Ramin Rezaeian Defender
13 Hossein Kanaani Defender
4 Shoja Khalilzadeh Defender
19 Ali Nemati Defender
5 Milad Mohammadi Defender
14 Saman Ghoddos Midfielder
21 Mohammad Ghorbani Midfielder
6 Saeid Ezatolahi Midfielder
9 Mehdi Taremi Forward
8 Mohammad Mohebi Forward

Substitutes15

12 Payam Niazmand
22 Hossein Hosseini
3 Ehsan Hajsafi
25 Danial Eiri
15 Roozbeh Cheshmi
2 Saleh Hardani
17 Aria Yousefi
26 Amirmohammad Razzaghinia
10 Mehdi Ghayedi
7 Alireza Jahanbakhsh
16 Mahdi Torabi
11 Ali Alipour
18 Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh
20 Shahriar Moghanlou
24 Dennis Eckert Ayensa

Egypt

Upcoming 04:00 Lumen Field

Iran

27/06/2026 04:00 Group G

Fil du match

Le fil du match s affichera au coup d envoi.

Group G schedule

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Group G

Team	J	G	N	P	BP	BC	Diff	Pts
Egypt	2	1	1	0	4	2	2	4
Iran	2	0	2	0	2	2	0	2
Belgium	2	0	2	0	1	1	0	2
New Zealand	2	0	1	1	3	5	-2	1