Egypt took a big step towards qualifying for the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coming from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Sunday’s Group G match at BC Place Vancouver.
The result also marked the African country’s first-ever victory in the quadrennial tournament.
Finn Surman put New Zealand ahead in the 15th minute after heading in Tim Payne’s corner. Egypt got one back just fourteen minutes into the second half thanks to Mostafa Zico’s free header after meeting Mohamed Hany’s throw.
The Pharaohs took the lead through talisman Mohamed Salah, who teamed up with Zico for an easy finish in the penalty area in the 67th minute. The former Liverpool star then turned provider when he found substitute Mahmoud Trezeguet in the penalty area for another header in the 82nd minute.
The result puts Egypt at the top of its group standings with four points, followed by Iran and Belgium with two points each, while New Zealand is at the bottom with one point.
New Zealand vs Egypt player ratings:
New Zealand:
Crocombe (5.4), Payne (6.5), Surman (6.8), Boxall (5.5), Cacace (6.4), Bell (6.3), Stamenic (6.0), McCowatt (6.2), Singh (5.5), Just (6.0), Wood (6.1)
Subs: Oud (6.0), Thomas (6.3), Randall (6.0), De Vries (no rating), Bindon (no rating)
Egypt:
Marmoush (7.0), Ashour (7.2), Salah (8.6), Ziko (8.2), Lasheen (7.3), Ateya (7.3), El Fotouh (7.7), Fathi (6.5), Ibrahim (6.6), Hany (8.0), Shobeir (8.1)
Subs: Rabia (6.5), Abdelkarim (6.2), Trezeguet (7.0), Abdelmaguid (no rating), Zizo (no rating), Abdelmonem (no rating)
Published on June 22, 2026
