Egypt thrash New Zealand to secure first World Cup victory in 92yrs
The Egyptian national team led by old war horse Mohamed Salah beat New Zealand 3-1 in an entertaining Group C encounter played at the BC Place, Vancouver.
The hard fought win earned by the Pharaohs of Egypt in the game also marked the team’s first-ever victory at a FIFA World Cup, 92 years on since their first match at quadrennial tournament in 1934.
After controlling the opening stages of the exciting game, New Zealand took an early 1-0 lead in the 15th minute when defender Finn Surman headed home from a corner kick.
The Egyptian team stepped up the momentum at half time in search of an equaliser and their effort was rewarded in the 58th minute when Mostafa Ziko leveled the score with a thumping header.
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Team captain Mohammed Salah gave his team the lead for the first time in the game when he finished off a quick transitional move by his teammates to put the scores at 2-1 in favour of his team.
The three points at stake in the game was well assured by the Egyptians when Trézéguet connected a corner assisted by Salah with a diving header to seal the historic victory in the 82nd minute.
Both teams will play their final Group G matches on Friday, June 26, 2026, with New Zealand facing Belgium while Egypt will battle Iran.
