Egypt secured their first World Cup win in a dramatic 3-1 comeback over New Zealand. Mohamed Salah led the second-half turnaround as Egypt moved to the top of Group G after a strong finish in their 2026 FIFA World Cup match.
The result came after a tough start. Egypt had drawn 1-1 with Belgium in their opening game. New Zealand and Belgium had also drawn earlier. That meant a win could take Egypt to the top of the group. The pressure was high before kick-off.
Egypt had never won a World Cup match before this game. They had played eight matches in four tournaments without a victory. New Zealand also entered the match without a World Cup win in their history.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan saw his team struggle early. New Zealand played with strong aerial power and direct attacks. Chris Wood Chris Wood and Sarpreet Singh Sarpreet Singh created problems. Elijah Just Elijah Just also tested the Egyptian defense.
Egypt looked slow in the first half. Mohamed Salah was forced wide and had little space. Omar Marmoush struggled to make an impact. New Zealand stayed organized and waited for chances from set pieces.
The breakthrough came in the 15th minute. Finn Surman scored with a header from a corner. Egypt went behind 1-0 and looked under pressure. The crowd sensed a surprise result was possible.
Egypt responded after halftime with more energy. They played faster and more direct. The coach pushed the team to attack more through the wings. Egypt began to win more second balls and create pressure.
The equalizer came from a cross into the box. Mostafa Mohamed Zaky Abdelraouf headed the ball into the net after confusion in the New Zealand defense. Egypt were back in the game at 1-1 and full of confidence.
Salah then changed position. He moved into a central role. This gave him more space between the lines. He linked up well with teammates and became more dangerous.
In the 67th minute, Salah scored the second goal. He finished calmly into the far corner after a quick attack. Egypt took the lead for the first time in the match. The momentum shifted fully.
Egypt sealed the win with a third goal from a corner. Substitute Mahmoud Trezeguet scored with a header at the near post. New Zealand could not recover after that moment.
Late in the match, Egypt almost scored again. Ahmed Zizo missed a chance after rounding the goalkeeper. Still, Egypt controlled the final minutes and kept their lead safe.
After the match, Egypt moved to four points. They now lead Group G. Iran and Belgium are behind them. A draw in the next match could be enough for qualification.
The result is a historic moment for Egypt. It is their first World Cup win. The team now looks closer to the knockout stage than ever before. Confidence is high across the squad.
Egypt played better after switching to faster passing and wider attacks. The midfield pressed higher and won more duels. New Zealand tired in the second half and lost shape under pressure. Egypt used quick passes to break defensive lines and create space for attackers.
Egypt had waited many years for a World Cup win. Earlier tournaments brought strong effort but no victory. This match finally broke that record. It is seen as a major moment for Egyptian football history. Fans celebrated a long-awaited breakthrough on the global stage.
Egypt’s win changes Group G. They now control their path to qualification. A draw in the next match may be enough. Belgium and Iran must now chase results. The group remains open, but Egypt hold the strongest position after this result.
The victory sends a strong message to other teams. Egypt showed belief and discipline in the second half. The performance highlights their growing strength in the tournament. Fans now hope the team can continue this form and secure a place in the knockout rounds for the first time.
