Egypt vs Iran World Cup clash faces travel delays and referee dispute

The Group G match between Egypt and Iran at the FIFA World Cup is set for Saturday, 27 June, with Polish official Szymon Marciniak assigned as referee.

Iranian captain Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei were held up at a U.S. airport shortly before the team’s flight to Seattle, causing a 25‑minute delay for the squad. The Iranian Football Federation said the officials were detained while the rest of the team waited to continue their journey.

Egypt also encountered travel problems, having sought permission to arrive in the United States earlier but being denied by U.S. authorities. Both sides are vying for a historic advancement: Egypt needs only a draw to progress, while Iran remains in contention for a knockout‑stage spot.