World Cup 2026 | New Zealand 1 - 3 Egypt
Salah inspires Egypt comeback to claim historic first World Cup victory
Mohamed Salah scored once and set up another as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand and claim the first World Cup victory in their history.
Author | Josh T
Stadium | BC Place Vancouver
The 3-1 win leaves the Pharaohs on the verge of reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
New Zealand made the brighter start and went ahead in the 15th minute when Finn Surman rose to head in Tim Payne's inviting corner, raising hopes of a first victory at the tournament for the All Whites.
A closer analysis of what happened
Having surrendered the lead twice in their opening draw with Iran, the Kiwis suffered a similar fate here.
Egypt struck three times in a 24-minute spell after the interval as manager Hossam Hassan's tactical adjustments transformed the contest and sent his side to the top of Group G.
Mostafa Zico, named after the legendary Brazilian playmaker, headed in Mohamed Hany's cross in the 58th minute to level matters.
Salah then combined cleverly with Zico inside the penalty area before guiding a low finish into the bottom corner to put Egypt ahead.
The former Liverpool forward was involved again in the closing stages, delivering a corner that substitute Trezeguet powered home with a header in the 82nd minute.
Victory in Egypt's fourth World Cup, having first appeared in 1934, means they will secure top spot in the group if they beat Iran on Saturday.
New Zealand remain without a World Cup win and must overcome Belgium to have any chance of progressing.
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