Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand has praised Egypt as a formidable opponent ahead of their crucial Group G encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026, stating that every player in the Egyptian squad possesses the quality of star forward Mohamed Salah.
Beiranvand's high praise for Egypt
Speaking ahead of Friday's (local time) decisive match, Beiranvand highlighted the depth of talent in the Egyptian team. "Egypt has great players. All 26 players that this team brought to the World Cup are like a Mohamed Salah," he said, as reported by Iran Media SNN.
The Iranian goalkeeper also underscored the importance of the fixture for his country and its supporters. "We only think about the people of Iran and their happiness," he added, emphasizing the team's focus on delivering a positive result.
Iran's unbeaten run in Group G
Iran has shown resilience in Group G of the FIFA World Cup 2026, remaining unbeaten after drawing 2-2 with New Zealand and playing out a goalless stalemate against Belgium. Beiranvand was instrumental in the latter match, making seven saves to frustrate the European side and earning the Superior Player of the Match award.
The results have kept Iran in contention heading into the final group-stage fixture against Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle. A win or draw could see them advance to the knockout stages depending on other results.
Iran squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Hossein Hosseini, Payam Niazmand.
Defenders: Daniyal Eiri, Ehsan Hajsafi, Saleh Hardani, Hossein Kanaani, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Ali Nemati, Ramin Rezaeian.
Midfielders: Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Mehdi Ghayedi, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Ghorbani, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebi, Amir Mohammad Razzaghinia, Mehdi Torabi, Aria Yousefi.
Forwards: Ali Alipour, Dennis Dargahi, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Shahriyar Moghanlou, Mehdi Taremi.
