RismadarVoice Reporters, June 22, 2026
Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt to a landmark 3–1 victory over New Zealand on Sunday night, securing the country’s first-ever win in FIFA World Cup history and pushing the Pharaohs to the top of Group G.
Salah, Egypt’s talisman and captain, struck the decisive goal in the 67th minute, finishing off a clever back-heel assist from Mostafa Zico. The goal, his 68th international strike, sent the Egyptian supporters inside a packed BC Place into celebration. He was substituted late in the game to a standing ovation from all sides of the stadium.
Egypt’s breakthrough came after a difficult start in which New Zealand shocked the African side with an early lead. Defender Finn Surman put the All Whites ahead in the 15th minute, rising highest to meet a corner delivered by Tim Payne and directing a powerful header into the net.
The Egyptians gradually grew into the contest, creating chances through Omar Marmoush, whose first-half set piece narrowly missed the target. Their persistence paid off after the interval when Mostafa Zico levelled in the 58th minute, finding space between New Zealand’s defence to head home despite a strong hand from goalkeeper Max Crocombe.
From there, Egypt took full control. Salah completed the turnaround with his composed finish before Trezeguet added a third in the 82nd minute with a diving header to seal the result.
The win places Egypt at the summit of Group G, though qualification for the knockout stage remains undecided. The Pharaohs will face Iran in Seattle in their final group match, needing at least a draw to progress.
Egypt, competing in their fourth World Cup, are aiming to go beyond the group stage after missing out on the previous tournament in Qatar. Salah, who scored twice at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, is now just one goal away from matching national team coach Hossam Hassan’s all-time scoring record.
There was concern earlier in the match when Hamdy Fathy went off injured before halftime and was replaced by Ramy Rabia.
New Zealand briefly threatened an upset after their early goal, but struggled to contain Egypt’s attacking pressure in the second half. The All Whites, who have now drawn and lost in the group stage, continue their campaign against Belgium.
Elsewhere in the group, Iran and Belgium played out a goalless draw, leaving all teams still in contention heading into the final round of matches.
