Iran (0-0-2) and Egypt (1-0-1) will face off tonight at 11:00 p.m. ET at Seattle Field in Seattle, WA.
This contest pits Iran's defensive resolve against an Egyptian side that has already secured its place in the World Cup knockout rounds but is hunting for the top spot in the group
Egypt is favored at a +280 price on the moneyline, with the over/under set at 1.5 (-175o / +140u) goals.
Let's get into my Iran vs. Egypt prediction.
Iran vs. Egypt Prediction
- Pick: Both Teams to Score – Yes (+105)
My Iran vs. Egypt best bet is that both teams will score, a wager available at plus-money.
Iran vs. Egypt Odds
| Iran Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 -180 | 1.5 -175o / 140u | +280 |
| Egypt Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 +140 | 1.5 -175o / 140u | +150 |
Iran vs. Egypt World Cup Preview
This match marks the first-ever meeting between Iran and Egypt. The stakes are high for both sides, although for different reasons.
Egypt, already through to the Round of 32, can secure first place in the group with a victory. Iran, on the other hand, likely needs a win to guarantee their progression, as a draw might not be sufficient.
The key matchup will be Egypt's dynamic attack against Iran's experienced, yet vulnerable, defense.
Against Belgium, Iran fielded the oldest starting lineup on record for a tournament match since 1966, and while they secured a draw, they were consistently under pressure.
They allowed 23 shots and failed to capitalize when Belgium went down to ten men. This defensive frailty will be tested by the likes of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, who have been instrumental for Egypt.
Egypt showed great character in their comeback win against New Zealand, becoming only the second African nation to win a match at this level after conceding first.
With the pressure of qualification lifted, they may play with more freedom, which could lead to more goals. Iran's path to the knockout stage has never been completed in six previous attempts, and to change that, they must find a way to contain Egypt's superior attacking talent while creating chances of their own.
Check out the best soccer odds before making your Iran vs Egypt picks.
Iran vs. Egypt Picks
- Both Teams to Score – Yes (+105)
Egypt has demonstrated significant attacking firepower, but it has often come at the cost of defensive solidity. Both of their matches in this tournament have seen goals from each side.
Their opener against Belgium ended in a 1-1 draw, and they followed it with a 3-1 victory over New Zealand. In both contests, the total expected goals (xG) surpassed 2.40, indicating that the games were open and full of chances.
New Zealand, a team considered weaker than Iran, managed to score first against Egypt and created three big chances throughout the match.
This suggests that Iran, which needs a positive result to have a chance of advancing, will be able to challenge the Egyptian backline.
While Iran’s recent 0-0 draw with Belgium might look impressive, it was largely due to Belgium's poor finishing, as they amassed 23 shots. Egypt’s attack, led by Mohamed Salah, is unlikely to be as wasteful.
Iran vs Egypt Probable Starting Lineups
Iran Expected Lineup (5-4-1)
Goalkeeper: Beiranvand
Defenders: Rezaeian, Kanani, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Hajsafi
Midfielders: Jahanbakhsh, Ezatolahi, Ghoddos
Forwards: Taremi
Egypt Expected Lineup (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper: Shobeir
Defenders: Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, El Fotouh
Midfielders: Mostafa, Attia, Mohamed, Ashour
Forwards: Salah, Marmoush
Iran vs Egypt Weather
It will be around 66°F with light rain expected for Iran-Egypt match in Seattle. There is a 65% probability of precipitation.
