Egypt are through to the FIFA World Cup knockout stages after a gripping 1-1 draw with Iran in Seattle, their passage confirmed only when a stoppage-time goal was ruled out by VAR for offside.

The Pharaohs wasted no time making their mark, taking the lead inside five minutes. Mohamed Salah's shot was parried by goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, and Mahmoud Saber reacted fastest to fire home from close range — his second goal of the tournament.

Penalty save keeps Egypt ahead

Iran hit back almost immediately. Mehdi Taremi won a penalty, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a magnificent save to keep his side in front. The reprieve was brief, however, as Ramin Rezaeian latched onto a rebound from a subsequent Iranian attack to draw level inside the opening quarter-hour.

The rest of the first half unfolded at a high tempo, with Salah and Trezeguet offering Egypt's most dangerous moments going forward while Iran continued to probe down the flanks. Both sides went in at the break deadlocked at 1-1.

Egypt hold firm under pressure

With qualification in sight, Egypt managed the second half with intelligence, resisting Iran's relentless pursuit of a winning goal. Manager Hossam Hassan turned to his bench, introducing Omar Marmoush and Zizo to sharpen the Pharaohs' threat.

Trezeguet went close to restoring the lead early in the second period, only to be denied by Beiranvand. Iran then rattled the woodwork as tensions inside Seattle Stadium soared.

VAR drama in stoppage time

The contest reached its most frenzied moment deep in added time when Shoja Khalilzadeh bundled the ball over the line, triggering euphoric scenes among the Iranian players. The celebrations were extinguished moments later as VAR confirmed the goal was offside.

The final whistle prompted jubilant scenes for the seven-time African champions, who have now secured their place in the last 32. Egypt's passage through a demanding Group G sets up what promises to be an enthralling knockout campaign, with the Pharaohs adding their name to the growing list of African nations advancing at this World Cup.