Egypt Makes History with First-Ever World Cup Victory
Egypt 3 - 1 New Zealand | Vancouver | June 21, 2026
Egypt achieved its first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, defeating New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver. The historic result moved Egypt to the top of Group G with four points, leaving New Zealand with one point.
Match Summary
New Zealand struck first. Finn Surman scored with a header in the 15th minute from a corner kick delivered by Tim Payne.
Egypt responded in the second half. Mostafa Zico equalized in the 58th minute with a header from a cross by Mohamed Hany.
Mohamed Salah put Egypt ahead in the 67th minute (some sources report the 66th) after a crisp one-two exchange with Zico.
Substitute Trezeguet sealed the victory in the 82nd minute (some sources report the 81st), scoring with a header from a corner kick taken by Salah.
Final score: Egypt 3, New Zealand 1.
Notable Statistics
- Mohamed Salah became the oldest Egyptian scorer in World Cup history at 34 years and 7 days old.
- Salah and Zico are the first Egyptian pair to both score and provide an assist in the same World Cup match.
- Salah is now Egypt's all-time top World Cup scorer with three goals.
- This was Egypt's first World Cup match scoring three goals.
- New Zealand remains winless in its first eight World Cup matches (four draws, four losses).
Group G Standings
Team Points Egypt 4 Belgium 2 Iran 2 New Zealand 1What's Next
- Egypt vs. Iran (Friday)
- Belgium vs. New Zealand (Friday)
A draw against Iran in Egypt's final group game would secure a top-two finish.
If Egypt wins the group, it could face the United States (winner of Group D) in the Round of 16, pending other results.
Injury Note
Egypt defender Hossam Abdelmaguid was substituted late in the match with a suspected concussion.
Mohamed Salah on the Win
"It's a great achievement for all the players. It's a great win. It's a great vibe. The next game is very important."