Iranian fans rushed onto the pitch believing their country had scored a dramatic World Cup winner, but the goal was disallowed by VAR in the match against Egypt shortly after.
Iranian fans storm the pitch before VAR disallows team’s World Cup goal that would have defeated Egypt
Iranian supporters stormed onto the pitch thinking their country had scored a sensational World Cup-winning goal, but the goal was later canceled by VAR against Egypt.
Dramatic scenes unfolded as Lumen Field erupted after Iranian soccer fans were assured of a stunning extra-time victory. In the third minute of extra time, with the score tied at 1-1, Iranian defender Shojae Khalilzadeh took advantage of a loose ball that fell at his feet and fired a shot into the back of the net.
Video footage taken by spectators in the stands showed fans in bright colors pouring out from the touchline terrace, where Iran’s players also cheered.
Meanwhile, FIFA allowed Seattle to press ahead with a Pride celebration scheduled during the game.
The atmosphere was so electric that Khalilzadeh even created the black pixelated “Deal With It” sunglasses that were reserved for the extravagant celebration and became a beloved internet meme throughout the 2010s, reports the Mirror.
The Iranian supporter, who appeared to be clutching a mobile phone, jumped over the security barrier and sprinted past one of the nine stewards in high-visibility yellow vests stationed on the pitch.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 26: Iran’s Saeed Ezatollah reacts after missing a scoring chance in the second half during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G match between Egypt and IR Iran at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, USA on June 26, 2026. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
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He evaded the first lines of defense, but was pulled down and arrested by two pursuing officers. Scenes of jubilation for World Cup fans quickly turned to despair when the goal was chalked away by VAR.
VAR and FIFA officials ruled that Khalilzadeh deviated beyond the last defender on the pitch before scoring the goal. When the match ended in a 1-1 draw, supporters were handcuffed and removed from the pitch.
The intrusion occurred after another person attempted to barge onto the field during the U.S. team’s World Cup opener, where the U.S. defeated Paraguay 4-1.
There was an outpouring of disbelief on social media at how the stewards repeatedly allowed incidents to unfold despite such strict safety measures. This year’s tournament is being protected by robotic dogs, cybersecurity drones, and hundreds of security personnel stationed at venues in each host country.
One supporter wrote: “The players who rushed onto the field must be pissed that their goal was disallowed, especially after being arrested.”
A second fan branded the incident a “gut punch”, but much of the online discussion centered around the offside call.
As a result, Iran took three points from their three matches in Group G, sharing the spoils with each of their opponents. The match against New Zealand ended 2-2, and they held a scoreless draw with Belgium.
Egypt had an unbeaten record with one win and two draws throughout the group stage, advancing to the round of 32 with five points. Iran was eliminated from the tournament as Belgium took charge and simultaneously crushed New Zealand 5-1.
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