Egypt first-ever World Cup victory defeat New Zealand
VANCOUVER, Canada (June 21, 2026) — A historic second-half strike from Mohamed Salah propelled Egypt to its first-ever World Cup victory on Sunday night, as the Pharaohs surged past New Zealand for a commanding 3-1 win at a packed BC Place.
The clinical 67th-minute finish marked Salah’s 68th international goal, sparking wild celebrations among the sea of red-clad Egyptian supporters in Vancouver. The superstar forward was later treated to a thunderous standing ovation from the sellout crowd when he was substituted in the 85th minute.
New Zealand had initially stunned the Pharaohs in the 15th minute. The All Whites took an early lead when 6-foot-3 defender Finn Surman, who plays for MLS side Portland Timbers, soared to meet a corner kick from Tim Payne and buried a spectacular flying header. It was Surman’s third international goal. Egypt fought to respond before the break, coming close in the 35th minute when Omar Marmoush rolled a clever free kick to Salah, whose bending effort just missed the target and rattled the side netting.
The second half belonged entirely to Egypt, who capitalized on their momentum to orchestrate the three-goal comeback. With this monumental victory, Egypt moves to the top of the Group G standings with four points.
While the Pharaohs are not yet mathematically guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage, they control their own destiny heading into Friday’s decisive group finale against Iran in Seattle, where they need only a draw to advance. This tournament marks Egypt’s fourth World Cup appearance after failing to qualify for Qatar four years ago.
