Egypt v Iran LIVE: Score and updates as Mo Salah’s men look to top Group G

I wasn’t at Iran’s two games in LA, but the jeering for the national anthem at SoFi seemed louder than just then.

A smattering of boos at the start, before complete respect for the anthem.

It has been some atmosphere on the walk across the waterfront to Lumen Field this afternoon.

Thousands of Egyptian and Iranian fans, as well as protestors against the Iranian regime. I’ve also seen an anti-Israel protest and an anti-Trump banner, as well as Palestine and Lebanon flags.

Truth be told, the one flag I have not seen a lot of – given it is technically the locally organised rainbow game – is the rainbow flag.

Still, on the pitch, it’s a big moment for both teams. Iran need to win to guarantee qualification.

England have qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockout stages after results in other groups went their way on Friday night.

The former Tottneham boss said on ITV: “It’s just a great story for what the World Cup is all about. We often talk about how football touches every part of the globe and this is what it can do. Get on the main stage and they finished second in their group.

“I think they’d love to play Argentina, it just adds to their story. Playing against the reigning champions. What a great story it’s been.”

Marcelo Bielsa has failed to progress from the group stage in two of his three World Cup campaigns: with Argentina in 2002 and Uruguay in 2026.

His only successful group-stage campaign came with Chile in 2010.

Cape Verde’s reward for finishing second and making it out of Group H is a match against the reigning world champions Argentina.

That clash will take place in Miami where Leo Messi plays his club football.

What a game for the Cape Verde players to have as their first ever knockout match. They couldn’t beat the world champions could they?

As things stand, Spain will be playing Austria in the round of 32 at the Los Angeles Stadium.

Austria still need to finish off their group stage so that could change.

Cape Verde’s fairytale goes on as they qualify for the next round having finished second in the group.

They are unbeaten with three draws from their group stage games. Spain couldn’t beat them and neither could Uruguay or Saudi Arabia.

Two wins and a draw for Spain means they win the group with seven points.

They still have plenty to learn and develop but the first job is done and the Spanish can improve through the knockouts.