Egypt secured a historic triumph in their football history on Monday morning after defeating New Zealand 3-1 in their second Group G match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mohamed Salah played a decisive role in the victory, as the Pharaohs came from behind at BC Place to record their first-ever win on the global stage.
Despite falling behind early, Egypt showed composure and attacking intent throughout the contest, eventually turning the match around to claim top spot in Group G heading into their final group fixture against Iran.
New Zealand made a lively start to the encounter and nearly struck inside the opening minutes. In the 2nd minute, Sarpreet Singh found space on the edge of the box and fired a promising effort just wide of the right post, giving Egypt an early scare.
The pressure continued in the 14th minute when Elijah Henry Just forced a strong save from goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir after a powerful strike inside the box.
In the 15th-minute, Tim Payne delivered a dangerous cross into the area, where Finn Surman rose highest to meet it. His powerful header crashed into the roof of the net, giving New Zealand a 1-0 lead and raising hopes of an upset.
Egypt, however, began to settle into the game ten minutes later as Omar Marmoush tested Max Crocombe in the 27th minute with a mid-range effort that was comfortably saved.
Mohamed Salah began to grow into the match as Egypt searched for an equaliser. In the 35th minute, he came close from a set piece, firing narrowly wide from the edge of the box.
After the restart, Salah missed a major opportunity in the 46th minute when he failed to convert a precise cross inside the box, with Crocombe once again denying him from close range.
Egypt eventually found their breakthrough in the 59th minute. Mohamed Hany’s excellent run and delivery created the chance, and Mostafa Ziko arrived to power a close-range header into the roof of the net, making it 1-1.
In the 68th minute, Mohamed Salah delivered when it mattered most. Finding space inside the box after a clever pass from Mostafa Ziko. The Egyptian star calmly placed his shot into the bottom left corner to complete the turnaround and make it 1-2.
Egypt put the result beyond doubt in the 82nd minute. Mohamed Salah turned provider this time, delivering a perfect corner kick that was met by Trezeguet, who rose highest and powered his header in off the ground and inside the left post to seal a 1-3 victory.
A first-ever #FIFAWorldCup win for Egypt! 🌟
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 22, 2026
The win carries huge historical significance for Egypt. After becoming the first African and Arab nation to appear at the World Cup in 1934, and following previous appearances in 1990 and 2018, this is their first-ever victory on football’s biggest stage.
The result also sends Egypt to the top of Group G, setting up a decisive final group clash against Iran as they continue their pursuit of knockout-stage qualification.
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