The Egypt vs Iran match set a record at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the most-watched game since the tournament began, drawing 107.4 million viewers on the beIN Sports network across the Middle East and North Africa region, according to FIFA.
FIFA announced on its official media platform that the Egypt vs Iran match recorded the largest live television audience for any game at the 2026 World Cup to date within the Middle East and North Africa region, with viewership reaching 107.4 million. FIFA noted that these are preliminary figures relating to same-night viewing, with final consolidated numbers to be released after the tournament concludes.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw in the third and final round of the group stage — a result that earned Egypt a place in the round of 32 for the first time in the country's history, lifting their tally to 5 points. Egypt also benefited from Belgium's 5-1 victory over New Zealand, which saw Belgium top the group on goal difference, with Egypt finishing second.
FIFA confirmed that the drama the match sustained until its final moments contributed to the record figure, making it the most-watched game of the tournament so far in the region and delivering beIN Sports its highest live viewership for any match at the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA noted that the achievement underscores the enormous public interest in the World Cup across the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in light of Egypt's historic qualification to the knockout rounds for the first time.
Egypt are now preparing to continue their tournament journey when they face Australia in the round of 32, aiming to reach the round of 16 for the first time in their history.