By Dwayne Ferreira.
Salah inspires Egypt’s first World Cup victory as the Pharaohs overturn New Zealand’s early lead to win 3-1 and take control of Group G.
Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt to their first victory in World Cup history as the Pharaohs recovered from a goal down to defeat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver.
Egypt entered the Group G encounter after holding Belgium to a 1-1 draw, while New Zealand had earned an entertaining 2-2 result against Iran. Both teams therefore began with a realistic opportunity to seize control of the section.
New Zealand made the stronger start and took the lead in the 15th minute. Finn Surman rose to direct a header beyond the goalkeeper, rewarding the All Whites for their early set-piece threat.
Egypt controlled more of the possession but found New Zealand difficult to break down during the opening half. The All Whites defended compactly and attempted to use Chris Wood and their physical strength whenever they advanced.
The Pharaohs emerged with far greater urgency after halftime. Their press improved, the ball moved more quickly through midfield and New Zealand’s defensive line was gradually pushed backwards.
Mostafa Ziko equalised in the 58th minute, heading Egypt level and transforming the momentum of the contest. The goal provided the breakthrough Egypt’s growing pressure had threatened.
Salah completed the turnaround nine minutes later. The captain finished in the 67th minute to score his first goal of the tournament and place Egypt ahead for the first time.
New Zealand attempted to respond but began leaving spaces as they committed more players forward. Egypt used those openings to attack with increasing confidence.
Trezeguet sealed the victory in the 82nd minute, heading home from Salah’s corner. The goal completed a commanding second-half performance and ensured there would be no late New Zealand recovery.
Egypt still required focus during stoppage time, with goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir making an important reaction save after Marko Stamenic’s deflected effort.
The final whistle confirmed a landmark result. Egypt had failed to win in their previous eight World Cup matches, making the victory one of the most significant achievements in the country’s football history.
The result moved Egypt to four points and placed them in control of Group G. Their draw with Belgium now carries even greater value before the final round.
New Zealand remain on one point but are not mathematically eliminated. Their opening draw against Iran means a victory over Belgium could still create a route into the expanded Round of 32.
Egypt face Iran on June 26 in a contest that could secure first place or qualification. New Zealand meet Belgium simultaneously, with both teams likely requiring victory.
For Salah and Egypt, the night in Vancouver delivered more than three points. It ended decades of World Cup frustration and gave a new generation of Pharaohs the opportunity to write a far more successful tournament story.
MATCH SUMMARY
New Zealand – 1
Finn Surman 15’
Egypt – 3
Mostafa Ziko 58’
Mohamed Salah 67’
Trezeguet 82’
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group G
Venue: Vancouver Stadium
Result: Egypt won 3-1
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