Sports Lebanon

Saturday, June 27, 2026

AKHBAR Editorial

Egypt advances to knockout stage of World Cup 2026 for first time in history, while Saudi Arabia and Tunisia exit in opening round.

Lead:

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage has reached its climax with 13 nations securing Round of 32 berths and several high-profile eliminations reshaping the tournament landscape. Among the notable developments, Egypt clinched knockout qualification for the first time by drawing Iran 1-1 in Seattle, while defending champion Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil advanced from their respective groups with commanding records.

Regional upheaval dominated proceedings as two Arab sides departed early. Tunisia suffered defeat to the Netherlands (3-1), prompting assistant sports director Khalil Shamam to resign officially following the exit. Saudi Arabia was eliminated despite a goalless draw against Cape Verde, drawing criticism from Greek coach Yorgos Donis regarding the team's psychological approach to the tournament.

Top Stories:

Egypt National Team — Egypt finished second in Group Seven after drawing 1-1 with Iran in Seattle, securing direct passage to the knockout round for the first time in the nation's World Cup history.

Brazil — The five-time champions defeated Scotland 3-0 in their group finale, with veteran forward Neymar returning to competitive action after 981 days away and visibly emotional following his participation.

Ecuador — The South American nation advanced to the Round of 32 after defeating Germany 2-1, prompting President Daniel Noboa to declare a national holiday on Friday in celebration.

Netherlands — The Dutch topped Group Six with 7 points following a 3-1 victory over Tunisia, securing passage to the knockout stage with a dominant performance.

Mexico — The hosts maintained an unbeaten group record by defeating Czechia 3-0, finishing first in Group One with 9 points and establishing themselves as tournament contenders.

Morocco — The Atlas Lions finished second in Group Three despite ongoing concerns about squad depth ahead of their Round of 32 matchup against the Netherlands on Tuesday in Monterrey.

What to Watch:

France faces Norway on Friday in a top-of-the-table Group Nine clash with significant knockout implications for both sides. Algeria enters a mathematically complex Round of 32 qualification scenario against Austria on Sunday, seeking to upset odds 44 years after the controversial 1982 "Gijhon incident."

Lebanon Brief