- Belgium defeated New Zealand 5-1, securing Group G top spot.
- Egypt advanced to knockouts after 1-1 draw with Iran.
- Late VAR disallowed Iran’s winner, ensuring Egypt’s progression.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Belgium clinched top spot in World Cup Group G on Friday evening by crushing New Zealand 5-1 in Vancouver, while Egypt advanced in second place following a dramatic 1-1 draw against Iran in Seattle. A critical 93rd-minute video review disallowed a late winning goal from Iran, confirming the North African nation’s automatic progression into the round of 32 tournament phase.
Trossard Shines in Dominant Vancouver Display
The European heavyweights dominated from the opening whistle in Vancouver, though an early penalty decision was overturned by VAR. Leandro Trossard broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, bundling home from close range after Kevin De Bruyne’s corner caused panic. Trossard struck again five minutes into the second half with a sharp near-post volley.
De Bruyne extended the lead to 3-0 in the 66th minute with an elegant low finish. New Zealand’s Elijah Just pulled one back with a volley from the edge of the box. However, late goals from substitute Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers completed the lopsided scoreline.
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What just happened? Did VAR just rob #Iran ?? There’s another defender deeper and it disregards him? Am I missing something because no one on the broadcast is talking about it. #fifa #egypt pic.twitter.com/HgNUy9Jxnp
— Travis (@_TMiddleton_) June 27, 2026
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VAR review won another match against Iran pic.twitter.com/4pA5HTnwpw
— Dada Shastoni (@DadaShastoni) June 27, 2026
Stoppage-Time VAR Review Saves Egypt in Seattle
Concurrently, Egypt claimed the runners-up spot in Group G after fighting out a tense 1-1 draw against Iran in front of 66,925 fans in Seattle. Mahmoud Saber gave the Pharaohs a dream start by scoring in the fifth minute. Iran responded quickly, equalizing through Ramin Rezaeian’s tight-angle shot in the 14th minute.
The match concluded with massive drama in the 93rd minute when Iran’s Shojae Khalilzadeh fired home what appeared to be a historic winning goal. However, a lengthy VAR review scuppered Iranian hopes, ruling the goal out for offside. The decision handed Egypt a crucial reprieve, sending them through to face Australia.
Before You Go
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