VANCOUVER — Mohamed Salah scored the go-ahead goal and Egypt defeated New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday to secure the country's first-ever World Cup victory, according to match officials and FIFA reports.
The win came in Group G at BC Place Stadium, where Egypt trailed 1-0 at halftime but rallied in the second half. Finn Surman scored for New Zealand in the 15th minute, while Mostafa Zico equalized for Egypt in the 58th minute. Salah then gave Egypt the lead in the 67th minute before Trézéguet sealed the result with a goal in the 82nd minute.
Salah, Egypt's captain, also provided an assist in the victory. The Liverpool forward has now been directly involved in goals across multiple World Cup appearances, including strikes against Russia and Saudi Arabia in 2018 and an assist versus Belgium earlier in this tournament.
Egypt had never won a match in seven previous World Cup appearances dating to 1934. The result moves Egypt to the top of Group G with four points from two matches.
"Egypt win over New Zealand 'great achievement'," Salah said after the match.
The victory ends Egypt's long wait for a World Cup win, which had stretched 92 years since their debut. Officials noted the performance demonstrated improved attacking coordination, with Salah central to the comeback.
New Zealand, appearing at the tournament for the first time since 2010, had taken an early lead but could not hold on against Egypt's pressure after halftime. Details on final group standings and advancement scenarios remain subject to upcoming results.
As of June 22, 2026, both teams prepare for their remaining group fixtures, with Egypt in strong position to advance from the group stage.
