Egypt had their first win in World Cup history. The Pharaohs came from a goal down to beat New Zealand 3-1 in their Group G match at BC Place in Vancouver, ending a 92-year wait that stretched back to their tournament debut in 1934. The result moved them top of the group and to the brink of the knockout rounds.
It did not start the way the sold-out crowd’s Egyptian contingent had hoped. Finn Surman headed New Zealand in front in the 15th minute from a Tim Payne corner, and the All Whites took the lead into half-time. Egypt had more of the ball but little to show for it before the break.
The second half was a different game. Mostafa Zico levelled in the 58th minute with a header, and nine minutes later Mohamed Salah turned in the goal that put Egypt ahead for the first time, finishing low after a quick exchange with Zico. It was Salah’s first of the tournament and his 68th international goal, and the stadium responded in kind; when he was withdrawn late on, he left to a standing ovation. Trezeguet headed in a third in the 82nd minute to settle it.
Coach Hossam Hassan carried an Egyptian flag around the pitch at full time. Salah framed the win as one his country would remember for years, praising the travelling support and saying the atmosphere made it feel like a home game. By the closing stages the Egyptian fans were whistling for the final whistle, and when it came the noise said plenty about how long this had been coming.
It is Egypt’s fourth World Cup appearance and their first since 2018, having missed out on Qatar four years ago. The win puts them top of Group G on four points, two clear of Iran and Belgium, who have two apiece, with New Zealand bottom on one. They close the group stage against Iran and need only a draw to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
If they hold on to top spot, Egypt would enter the new 32-team Round of 32 as group winners, with a tie in Seattle on 1 July. The bracket pairs the Group G winner with a third-placed side from Group A, E, H, I or J, so the opponent is limited to that pool rather than wide open. None of those places is settled with a round of group games still to play, but the names in the mix range from South Korea and Ivory Coast to Senegal, Uruguay and Austria. The exact matchup will firm up only once the rest of the groups finish and the eight best third-placed teams are confirmed.
