VANCOUVER — Egypt defeated New Zealand 3-1 in a FIFA World Cup Group G match in Vancouver on Sunday, securing the country's first victory at the tournament and ending a 92-year wait since its World Cup debut in 1934, according to FIFA and match reports.
New Zealand took the lead in the first half through defender Finn Surman, but Egypt responded after the break with goals from Mostafa Zico, Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan. The result moved Egypt to the top of Group G with four points after two matches, while New Zealand remained at the bottom of the standings with one point.
Egypt entered the 2026 tournament seeking its first World Cup win after previous appearances in 1934, 1990 and 2018. The national team had come close in its opening match in Seattle, drawing 1-1 with Belgium after conceding an equalizer in the second half.
According to Reuters, New Zealand led 1-0 at halftime after Surman scored with a header. Egypt equalized in the 58th minute when Zico headed home, before Salah put his side ahead nine minutes later following a combination with the forward. Trezeguet added a third goal in the 81st minute to secure the victory.
Salah described the result as a landmark moment for Egyptian football.
“In years to come we will remember that this was one of the achievements in history,” Salah said after the match, according to Reuters. He also praised the support from Egyptian fans in attendance, saying the atmosphere felt as though the team was playing at home.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan credited supporters for their role in the occasion, telling reporters that the crowd created an atmosphere similar to one in Cairo, Reuters reported.
The victory was also notable for Zico, who scored once and assisted Salah's goal after being called into the squad shortly before the tournament. The forward said the team remained focused despite the historic achievement.
In the other Group G match, Belgium and Iran played to a goalless draw earlier on Sunday, leaving Egypt in first place in the group standings.
Egypt's final group-stage match is against Iran in Seattle, while New Zealand will face Belgium in Vancouver. The outcome of those matches will determine which teams advance to the knockout stage.
