Egypt Beat New Zealand 3-1: Mohamed Salah Inspires First-Ever World Cup Win
Egypt produced a historic comeback to defeat New Zealand 3-1 in Group G, with Mohamed Salah playing a starring role as they secured their first-ever World Cup victory.
June 22, 2026: Egypt produced a historic performance to defeat New Zealand 3-1 in a Group G match at BC Place in Vancouver, securing their first-ever World Cup victory. Mohamed Salah once again proved to be the difference-maker, scoring one goal and providing one assist as Egypt came from behind to register a memorable win.
New Zealand started the match with confidence and took the lead in the 15th minute through Finn Surman, who scored with a powerful header from a corner kick delivered by Tim Payne. Egypt responded with steady attacking pressure, but they struggled to convert chances in the first half. Despite dominating possession and creating more opportunities, Egypt went into half-time trailing 1-0.
Egypt Complete Second-Half Comeback to Make History
The second half saw a completely different Egyptian side as they increased the tempo and controlled the game with more intensity. Their pressure paid off in the 58th minute when Mostafa Zico equalised with a well-placed header from Mohamed Hany’s cross. The goal lifted Egypt’s confidence and shifted the momentum firmly in their favour.
Just nine minutes later, Egypt took the lead through Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool forward combined quickly with Zico during a fast counterattack, dribbled into the box, and finished with a powerful left-foot strike into the bottom corner. It was Salah’s third goal for Egypt in World Cup history and a landmark moment as he became the country’s all-time top scorer in the competition.
Egypt produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat New Zealand 3-1 in their Group G encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at BC Place on Sunday, securing the nation’s first-ever World Cup victory and moving within touching distance of the Round of 32. New Zealand made the… pic.twitter.com/HsvWfRGHmK
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) June 22, 2026
Egypt continued to push forward and sealed the victory in the 82nd minute. Salah delivered a precise corner kick, and substitute Trezeguet rose unmarked to score a diving header, making it 3-1. New Zealand tried to respond in the final minutes but could not break through Egypt’s defence.
New Zealand’s hopes of building on their encouraging start to the tournament were dashed as Egypt produced a stunning second-half comeback to secure a 3-1 victory in their Group G clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After taking an early lead through Finn Surman, the All Whites… pic.twitter.com/GaJ6jSV5Rm
— World Cup 2026 Dailies (@Shevycko1) June 22, 2026
Salah remained the central figure throughout the match, registering five shots, creating multiple chances, and recording the highest number of touches inside the opposition box. He was substituted in the 85th minute and received a standing ovation from both Egyptian fans and neutral supporters in the stadium.
With this result, Egypt move to the top of Group G with four points from two matches after their opening draw against Belgium. The win puts them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage. New Zealand, on the other hand, remain on one point from two matches and continues their search for a first World Cup victory.
