Egypt defeats New Zealand (3-1) and secures its first victory in World Cups

Egypt made history this Sunday at the : they defeated New Zealand 3-1 in the second round of Group G of the 2026 World Cup, achieving their first victory in a World Cup after seven matches without success in their three previous appearances.

The Pharaohs started the match at a disadvantage. F. Surman opened the scoring for New Zealand in the 15th minute with a shot that left the Egyptian goalkeeper without a response. The first half ended with that unfavorable score, although Egypt showed signs that the second half would be different.

The reaction was clear after the break. Mostafa Ziko equalized in the 58th minute with a shot that left the New Zealand goalkeeper with no chance. Just nine minutes later, Mohamed Salah made it 2-1 with a goal that fired up the team. The match was clinched in the 82nd minute when Trezeguet, who had just come in from the bench in the 76th minute, scored the third to put the game out of reach.

The statistics reflected Egyptian dominance: 56% possession compared to 44% for New Zealand, 19 shots against nine, and seven shots on goal to four. The New Zealanders committed 14 fouls to the Africans' eight, and received two yellow cards—Singh in the 20th minute and McCowatt in the 34th—compared to one for Egypt.

The historical significance of the outcome is considerable. The Pharaohs had competed in World Cups in 1934, 1990, and 2018 without winning a single match: zero victories, two draws, and five losses. In 2018, with Salah as the standout player, they left without any points. In 2026, the team arrived after drawing 1-1 with Belgium in the opening match, and this victory propels them to the top of the group.

With the result, has Egypt leading with four points, followed by Iran and Belgium with two points each —they drew 0-0 this very Sunday at SoFi Stadium— and New Zealand in fourth position with one point, facing elimination according to the current standings.

The final match of the group stage will take place on June 26: Egypt will face Iran at Lumen Field in Seattle, while New Zealand will host Belgium in Vancouver. The Pharaohs arrive as leaders and with a real chance to secure their spot in the round of 16.