World Cup knockout stage begins, Egypt reaches Round of 32

sportsJun 27, 2026702,946

Egypt reached the World Cup Round of 32 for the first time after a 1-1 draw with Iran in their final group game. Iran thought they had a late winner but VAR ruled the goal offside, leaving Iran still able to advance only as one of the best third-place teams. The draw completed the group stage and set the Round of 32 matchups as the tournament moves into the knockout stage. The result sent Egypt through and left Iran’s fate dependent on other final group outcomes.

Dr. Lucky Tran

@luckytran.com

Cape Verde is going to be playing Messi in the knockout stage of the World Cup! 😭

96945d ago

mathieu31

We are all Cabo Verde fans

Woodsie9

Go Cabo Verde! You're the most amazing team in this tournament!

Kerri SHE/HER7

I freakin loooove Cape Verde's Little Engine that could energy!

El Intrepido rides again4

I hope Cape Verde 🇨🇻 WINS; and hands the fascists their exit

laart203

Cape Verde living everybody’s dream

Chapalu3

What a story these players can tell when they retire - amazing. One of the CV players plays for a team in Dublin, Ireland. You can get you (footie) boots that his teammates will be full of awe and envy. Congratulations, Cape Verde - you're already winners!

Mueller, She Wrote

@muellershewrote.com

Do I have this right? If either Algeria, Croatia, *or* DR Congo lose today, Iran advances? #WorldCup

51044d ago

The Mórrígan hates AI58

Is it wrong to be cheering for a team whose country that our would-be king has taken us to war with? Nope.

Ariana Niko35

It doesn’t matter which one happens. If just one of these three scenarios happens, Iran reaches the World Cup knockout stage: Ghana beats Croatia, Uzbekistan doesn’t lose to DR Congo, or Austria vs Algeria has a winner.

David Steuer31

I was aghast at expanding the tournament to 48. But after watching new teams like Cape Verde and DR Congo shock and amaze, I’m fully on board.

Jeffrey19

I am so rooting for Iran.

eddie0028.bsky.social9

Hope so...it would be epic if they faced the u.s and kick their ass

Ross Smith8

I asked my childhood AI model as to whether Iran will advance to the round of 32. The response was favorable... and it didn't even require a kilowatt to create an answer:

Circling Seattle Sports

@circlingseasports.bsky.social

Mehdi Taremi of Iran with a very honest answer when asked about having to fly back to Tijuana tonight after their match against #Egypt . Iran had hoped to stay in Seattle overnight. #FifaWorldCup #Iran #WorldCup

20645d ago

LordWessenden12323

All because of one man’s pathetic little ego.

Leo Greene (if you're nice)16

Absolutely disgusting If the US organisers couldn't arrange proper accommodation, they shouldn't have been granted the contract. The US president is supposed to be a businessman I can't help noticing this footballer speaking in his 2nd or 3rd language is more coherent than Trump in his only language

Shoe15

It really isn’t fair. Fuck this administration!

yourtomoinkyoto.bsky.social8

English isn't his first language, and yet he's still more coherent than the people who are backing them into this situation.

Lesley Gleave3

I really feel for them

CallieBalloo2

Spitting facts, like Iranian’s often do. Also, how can a human after playing 90 minutes of elite level football, still look this beautiful. 😍

Quoting this

Eoghan Sweeney8

The US completely failing in its obligations as the host of a major international event. There should be consequences for future hosting opportunities. Of course money almost always wins out, but countries should be coordinating and block-voting against them

Kelly Davis4

Let Iran party in Seattle, you cowards!

Decker Reported3

He's not wrong. It's not fair. @fifawc26.bsky.social should have foreseen this, and had a backup plan - staying in Canada, for example, instead of flying back to Tijuana. I'm glad he appreciates the treatment they're getting by the people in Tijuana - it's not nothing - but it is NOT fair.

Jeroen Werner2

Schandalig dit dat FIFA dit niet goed regelt

Meghan L. Hall

@itsmeghanlhall.bsky.social

Cape Verde’s World Cup Cinderella story continues. It advances to the knockout stage with Spain in its tournament debut. Now has a date with Messi and Argentina in Miami next week.

21245d ago

Dave Kartunen13

I think this showdown should be settled at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton.

All the Things She Fred, Runnin Thru My Head

@dukeofnothingham.bsky.social

What a wild ending to the Iran-Egypt match! Iran got absolutely hosed out of a winning goal and automatic qualification by VAR!! They can still get through as a 3rd place team, but the Iranian team has been treated unfairly since they got to the tournament. Very bad look for FIFA. #WorldCup

14845d ago

David L Hutchinson4

Has there ever been a good look for FIFA (owners, not players)?

Suaimhneas3

FIFA are rotten to the core.

702yankeebabe.bsky.social3

#FIFA doesn't care. They're pandering to those that line their corrupt pockets.

Peter Louwe3

Var gives FIFA freedom to pick winners. Refs have done well but var is where corruption is. Favored teams get the calls.

Len Grossman3

Is there anything that can give FIFA a worse name than it already has

Elizabeth Cheung2

The MOU should now include the abolishment of VAR and the goal reinstated.

Jeff Kassouf

@jeffkassouf.bsky.social

CABO VERDE advances to the knockout stage of the Men's World Cup in the country's debut at the competition. Three draws from three games in a group with Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia -- and most notably, Uruguay gets grouped. Incredible.

9845d ago

Quoting this

Nate Bowling17

Cape Verde has a population 300,000 people smaller than Pierce County

🤠4

The scream I just let out in this bar

CBS Sports Golazo

@cbssportsgolazo-m.bsky.social

CABO VERDE ADVANCE TO THE KNOCKOUT STAGE IN THEIR FIRST-EVER WORLD CUP 🇨🇻👏

5945d ago

Quoting this

Mary Sue8

*sings the Cabo Verde national anthem, which she is entirely reading off her phone*

sethh105.bsky.social7

Cabo Sharks Doo doo doo doo doo doo Cabo Sharks Doo doo doo doo doo doo

Josh Kail5

Cabo Verde Argentina is going to be cinema

Alex Staller3

Gotta love a scrappy underdog

Jeff Holland 2

Vozinha's reward is now to try and stop Messi

Vitote2

Exultante por la mejor defensa del Mundial, para sentirse completamente orgullosos

RTÉ News

@news.rte.ie

Pico Lopes has said he and his teammates "held their nerve" to secure a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia which was enough to send them through to the World Cup knockout phase and a Round of 32 clash with Lionel Messi and Argentina

6145d ago

Pop Crave

@popcrave.com

Senegal has officially qualified for the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup.

6245d ago

Quoting this

Erica Ifill28

Africa has been the winner of this World Cup so far

CousinOzzie

@cousinozzie.bsky.social

Ghana was unable to pull off the miracle we needed. And thus, the hopes of advancement for the #TartanArmy have come to an end. There will be #NoScotlandNoParty for the remainder of the 2026 #WorldCup 😢. It was a good run, Lads. And we'll see you all again in 2030.

4744d ago