Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1 for their first World Cup win in history
Football
By
AFP
| Jun 22, 2026
Egypt earned the first World Cup win in their history by beating New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday, putting them on track to reach the knockout round for the first time.
Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Zico and Trezeguet were Egypt's scorers after Finn Surman had given New Zealand the lead after 15 minutes of the Group G match in Vancouver.
The victory puts Egypt top of Group G on four points and needing just a draw against Iran in Seattle on Friday to move into the last 32.
Salah's goal came after he exchanged passes with Zico -- named after the Brazilian legend -- and then curled in a shot with his left foot in the 67th minute.
Salah then provided the assist for substitute Trezeguet -- who himself is named after former France forward David Trezeguet -- to make the game safe with a low header.
READ MORE
Doping: Let us remove the maize cob before champions step on it
It's down to prayers after Nairobi bids to host world athletics event
It's down to prayers after Nairobi bids to host world athletics event
Lecturers shock as PSC slashes university dons' retirement age by up to 15 years
Correction and clarification on the inauguration of Ngugi arts centre
Limuru's calling, as Ngugi wa Thiong'o Centre unveiled, Kombani launches book
PPB warns of falsified Cancer drug batch circulating in the market
Doctors set 90-day ultimatum for pay talks, warn of strike
Kenya, Italy adopt four-year cooperation plan after Ruto-Meloni talks
"In years to come we will remember that this was one of the achievements in history," Salah said.
He praised the large Egyptian contingent in the crowd, saying: "It feels like we are playing in Egypt. It's a great win and great vibe."
Egypt had trailed the Kiwis, who opened the scoring through Surman's towering header after 15 minutes.
But Zico equalized when he headed in a cross from Mohamed Hany.
Belgium and Iran drew 0-0 earlier in the other Group G game.
The Belgians face New Zealand in Vancouver on Friday.