Egypt claim historic first World Cup victory as Salah leads 3-1 win over New Zealand

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Sport 22-06-2026 | 12:36

Egypt claim historic first World Cup victory as Salah leads 3-1 win over New Zealand

Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt to their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, scoring in a landmark 3-1 win over New Zealand that sent the Pharaohs to the top of Group G and closer to the Round of 32.

Abdul Nasser Harb
Abdul Nasser Harb
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Egypt claim historic first World Cup victory as Salah leads 3-1 win over New Zealand
Mohamed Salah and Zico. (AFP)
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The Egypt national team achieved its first-ever victory in the history of its participation in the FIFA World Cup, beating New Zealand 3 to 1 in Vancouver in the second round of Group Seven in the 2026 World Cup.

 

Since its first appearance in 1934, the Egypt national team had played eight matches without tasting victory, until the ninth match finally brought a smile, giving the “Pharaohs” the top of Group Seven with four points and paving the way toward qualification to the round of 32, two points ahead of Iran and Belgium, who drew 0 to 0.

 

After the win, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan carried the Egyptian flag and toured the stadium, amid scenes of overwhelming joy among fans and players.

 

 

Top 3 Egyptian performers against New Zealand in the 2026 World Cup

 

 

Mohamed Salah


Although he did not do much in the first half, apart from one shot on goal, Mohamed Salah came back strongly in the second half and scored Egypt’s lead goal against New Zealand (2–1).

 

Salah has now become Egypt’s all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 3 goals.

 

After the match, the Egypt national team captain received the Man of the Match award, which is given to the best player.

 

 

Mohamed Salah with the award. (X)
Mohamed Salah with the award. (X)

 

 

Mostafa Shobeir


Mostafa Shobeir conceded New Zealand’s only goal in the match, but he delivered a standout performance and prevented the Kiwis from mounting a comeback in the second half.

 

Shobeir deserved to be among the best players in the Egypt national team after keeping a clean sheet in the second half.

 

 

Mostafa Shobeir. (AFP)
Mostafa Shobeir. (AFP)

 

 

Mostafa Abdel-Raouf "Zico"

 

Mostafa Mohamed, nicknamed "Zico," made a strong impact for Egypt against New Zealand after scoring the equaliser.

 

He did not stop at scoring the goal, as he also provided the assist for Mohamed Salah’s second goal.

 

 

Zico. (AFP)
Zico. (AFP)

Tags
Egypt ، 2026 World Cup ، Iran ، Belgium ، Mohamed Salah ، New Zealand ، FIFA ، Egypt national team ، Group Seven ، Hossam Hassan