- New Zealand vs Egypt: The Pharaohs came from behind to defeat the All Whites 3-1 in their Group G Matchday 2 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- The match was played at BC Place in Vancouver on Monday, June 22, 2026.
- Former Liverpool star Mo Salah was on target as Egypt secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory.
Mohamed Salah netted a crucial goal as he edged closer to becoming Egypt’s all-time top scorer, inspiring his side to fight back for a 3-1 victory over New Zealand, their first ever win in World Cup history.
After a disappointing opener against Belgium, where they were held to a 1-1 draw, Africa’s most decorated nation needed to make a statement.
And they did just that, finally putting to rest a 92-year drought without a World Cup triumph, and they did so in style against a spirited New Zealand outfit.
ALSO READ: Belgium vs Egypt: Pharaohs’ first-ever World Cup win denied by cruel own goal
New Zealand flew out of the blocks at BC Place in Vancouver, and after Sarpreet Singh and Elijah Just had already sounded the alarm, Finn Surman handed the All Whites a deserved lead with a thumping header from a corner in the 15th minute.
Salah and Emam Ashour both went close before the interval as Egypt pressed for an equaliser, and Salah was thwarted once more by Max Crocombe early in the second half.
Egyptian shot stopper Mostafa Shobeir then kept his side in the contest with a magnificent save to deny Callum McCowatt’s deft flicked header, before Zico hauled Hossam Hassan’s men level with a free header in the 58th minute.
Nine minutes later, Salah executed a crisp one two with Zico inside the box before slotting into the bottom corner to put Egypt ahead, his 67th goal for the national team, leaving him just two shy of his coach Hossam Hassan’s record of 69.
The former Liverpool winger then turned provider, delivering a corner that substitute Trezeguet powered home with a header in the 82nd minute.
“It’s incredible. I don’t know how to put it into words. It’s a massive achievement for all the players and the staff, so hopefully we can keep this momentum going in the group and write our own history by qualifying, and in years to come, this will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Egyptian football. We have to enjoy today, enjoy tomorrow, then focus on the next game,” said Mohamed Salah, Egypt captain, after being named Man of the Match.
Egypt’s first victory in their fourth World Cup appearance, their debut came in 1934, means they will secure top spot in the group if they beat Iran on Saturday.
Meanwhile, New Zealand are still chasing their maiden World Cup win and must find a way past Belgium to keep their hopes alive.
New Zealand vs Egypt lineups – FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G, Monday, June 22, 2026
- New Zealand starting lineup: Max Crocombe, Tim Payne, Michael Boxall, Finn Surman, Liberato Cacace, Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just, Chris Wood
Egypt starting lineup: Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Hamdi Fathy, Ahmed Fatouh, Mohanad Lasheen, Marwan Attia, Mostafa Zico, Mohamed Salah, Emam Ashour, Omar Marmoush
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026