Egypt shocks New Zealand 3-1 for first World Cup win

Egypt beat – Egypt came back from a 1-0 deficit to beat New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday, June 21 in Vancouver, Canada, handing the Pharaohs their first-ever World Cup win and a two-point lead in Group G with one match left.

The moment flipped in the second half, and by the final whistle on Sunday, June 21 in Vancouver, Canada, Egypt had a result they had never had in World Cup play before.

Egypt defeated New Zealand 3-1 at BC Place with a come-from-behind performance. taking the group lead with a match left to play in Group G. Mostafa Ziko. Mohamed Salah. and Trézéguet scored second-half goals to erase New Zealand’s early advantage and deliver what the match narrative repeatedly called historic: Egypt’s first World Cup win all-time.

At full time, the scoreboard read New Zealand 1, Egypt 3.

Egypt’s turnaround began when Mostafa Ziko headed in the equalizer at 59′ to make it New Zealand 1, Egypt 1. Mohamed Salah then took the lead for Egypt at 68′ with his third-ever World Cup goal, putting Egypt up 2-1 after an assist deep into the box from Mostafa Ziko.

Then Trézéguet added the decisive third goal at 82′. The substitute made a diving header to convert the corner off a cross from captain Mohamed Salah, extending Egypt’s lead once more to 3-1 as BC Place grew louder heading into stoppage time.

Between the goals, the match had other turning points. New Zealand struck first at 15′. with Finn Surman heading in the corner whipped in by fullback Tim Payne to give the All Whites a 1-0 lead. Egypt’s early response included chances and near-misses. including a save by New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe at 27′ that stopped Omar Marmoush from turning a shot from outside the box into an early equalizer.

In the second half, Egypt’s momentum arrived with pressure that created scoring opportunities and forced New Zealand to absorb waves of attacks. At 46′, play resumed with Egypt seeking an aggressive start searching for the equalizing goal. That pressure helped set the stage for the goal at 59′.

New Zealand’s own threats continued to matter. At 52′, Mostafa Shobeir made a “fantastic save,” tipping a header by Callum McCowatt over the top of the net.

By the time the match entered its late stages, the game’s margin felt controlled by Egypt, even as New Zealand tried to hold on. At 90+2′, a chance for Egypt to make it four was stopped by Max Crocombe, keeping the All Whites deficit at two goals.

Egypt’s match management also stood out. At 85′. head coach Hossam Hassan made the decision to take Mohamed Salah off as Salah received an ovation from the crowd. Salah and Emam Ashour subbed off for Zizo and Hossam Abdelmaguid. Egypt’s substitutions also included at 76′ Mostafa Ziko and Omar Marmoush coming off in favor of Trézéguet and 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim.

New Zealand made changes too. At 76′. they made a double sub after the hydration break. with Sapreet Singh and Liberato Cacace coming off for Jesse Randall and Ryan Thomas. Earlier. at 66′. New Zealand made its first substitution with Callum McCowatt. who had been booked for a yellow card in the first half. making way for Ben Old. At 72′ the hydration break arrived with Egypt having dominated and the match slipping into a 2-1 lead after the goal at 59′ and the follow-up at 68′.

The match also carried warning signs for Egypt early and for New Zealand throughout. In the first half. both sides picked up yellows: at 17′. Mohanad Lashin received a yellow for Egypt’s tackle on Sarpreet Singh; at 20′. Sarpreet Singh received a yellow after grabbing Egypt’s Mostafa Zico from behind; at 34′. Callum McCowatt got a yellow after a poorly timed tackle set up Egypt with a free kick. though Mohamed Salah’s shot from the opportunity went wide left.

Egypt’s first-half rhythm was disrupted again at 42′, when Ramy Rabia replaced an injured Hamdy Fathy.

Still, even with the goal deficit at halftime, the first 45 minutes produced a milestone of its own for New Zealand. At halftime, New Zealand led 1-0. Tim Payne. described as a social media sensation. took part in a move that became the All Whites’ first halftime lead at a World Cup match. Payne delivered a corner kick that Finn Surman. who plays for the Portland Timbers of the MLS. cashed in on a header.

Egypt, by contrast, had one shot on goal despite having the edge on possession at halftime. The Pharaohs also had three free kicks close to New Zealand’s box. but all attempts on goal were shut down quickly. The match narrative also emphasized that New Zealand’s physicality on Salah prevented him from getting any true chances for Egypt’s equalizer. and it marked the first time Egypt had ever trailed at halftime at the World Cup.

The game carried extra intrigue before kickoff, too. Mohamed Salah and New Zealand forward Chris Wood met for the first time at a national level. but it wasn’t the first time they faced each other in their careers. Salah and Wood have faced each other for the 13th time overall in their careers. in Egypt and New Zealand’s World Cup match. Wood’s team has won only two of their previous matchups. while Salah’s has won seven; the other matches resulted in draws.

Egypt’s win landed in a larger Group G picture that could still change quickly. With a match left to play, Egypt took the group lead with a two-point advantage. The final day of Group G play is Friday, June 26, with Egypt playing Iran and Belgium taking on New Zealand.

The broadcast details also framed how quickly fans could follow the swings in the scoreline: the game aired on FS1 and was available on Fubo or the Fox One App, with Spanish language broadcasts on Telemundo and Peacock.

Egypt vs New Zealand World Cup 2026 Group G Mohamed Salah Mostafa Ziko Trézéguet BC Place Vancouver FS1 Fubo Telemundo