Egypt rally past New Zealand 3-1 for historic first FIFA World Cup victory

Egypt produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat New Zealand 3-1 in their Group G encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at BC Place on Sunday, securing the nation’s first-ever World Cup victory and moving within touching distance of the Round of 32.

New Zealand made the brighter start and looked threatening from the opening whistle. The All Whites fashioned the first clear chance in the seventh minute when Liberato Cacace found Sarpreet Singh on the edge of the box, but the midfielder’s effort drifted wide.

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The pressure continued moments later as Marko Stamenic slipped Elijah Just through on goal, forcing Egyptian goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir into a sharp save at his near post.

The breakthrough soon arrived from the resulting corner. Tim Payne’s delivery caused problems in the area, and Finn Surman rose highest to thunder a header past Shobeir, giving New Zealand a deserved lead.

Egypt struggled to impose themselves early but gradually grew into the contest before halftime. Omar Marmoush tested Max Crocombe with a powerful effort from distance, while Mohamed Salah came close to levelling matters with a free-kick that curled narrowly wide.

New Zealand nearly doubled their advantage shortly after the restart when Callum McCowatt directed a header goalward, only for Shobeir to produce another excellent save and tip the ball over the crossbar.

That moment proved pivotal as Egypt emerged from the interval with greater urgency and control.

The equaliser arrived just before the hour mark when Mohamed Hany whipped in an inviting cross and Mostafa Ziko nodded home from close range to make it 1-1.

With momentum firmly in their favour, Egypt completed the turnaround nine minutes later. Ziko combined cleverly with Salah inside the area, and the Egyptian captain kept his composure to slot past Crocombe and put the Pharaohs ahead.

Egypt continued to dominate proceedings and put the result beyond doubt in the 82nd minute. Salah’s corner found substitute Trezeguet, who powered a header into the net to cap an emphatic comeback victory.

The result extends Egypt’s unbeaten record against New Zealand to four matches and leaves them well placed ahead of their final Group G fixture against Iran. New Zealand, meanwhile, must beat Belgium in their last group-stage match to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds alive.