Image: from Premier League X @premierleague
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Egypt claimed the first FIFA World Cup victory in the nation’s history on Sunday, coming from behind to defeat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver and seize control of Group G.
Led by captain Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs produced a commanding second-half performance to secure a landmark win that places them in a strong position to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.
Salah scored one goal and provided an assist in another influential display, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players in Egyptian football history.
New Zealand Strikes First
The match began positively for New Zealand, who stunned Egypt in the 15th minute.
Defender Finn Surman rose highest to head home from a corner delivered by Tim Payne, giving the All Whites an early advantage.
The goal placed pressure on Egypt, but the African side responded by increasing its attacking intensity.
Egypt created several opportunities before halftime. Emam Ashour narrowly missed the target, while Salah was denied after failing to generate enough power on a close-range effort.
Egypt Turn the Match Around
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 58th minute.
Forward Mostafa Zico powered a header beyond goalkeeper Max Crocombe to level the score.
The equalizer transformed the match.
Just minutes later, Egypt completed the comeback through Salah. A swift counterattack saw the Liverpool star exchange passes with Zico before curling a precise finish into the bottom corner.
The goal was Salah’s third in World Cup competition, making him Egypt’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament and the first Egyptian player to score in multiple World Cups.
Trezeguet Seals Historic Win
Egypt continued to dominate and put the result beyond doubt in the 82nd minute.
Substitute Trezeguet met a Salah corner at the near post and guided the ball into the net to make it 3-1.
The goal created another piece of history, as Trezeguet became the first Egyptian substitute ever to score at a World Cup.
Egypt nearly added a fourth goal in stoppage time when Zizo rounded Crocombe, only to see his effort saved.
Salah Leads by Example
Salah’s influence was evident throughout the match.
The Egyptian captain finished with five shots, 13 touches inside the penalty area, and five chances created, all match highs.
Both Salah and Zico became the first Egyptian players to score and assist in the same World Cup match.
The performance further highlighted Salah’s importance to a team seeking its deepest-ever run at the tournament.
Egypt Take Control of Group G
The victory moves Egypt to the top of Group G and leaves qualification firmly within their control.
A draw against Iran in their final group-stage match would be enough to guarantee a top-two finish and progression to the knockout rounds.
New Zealand’s hopes are not yet over.
Following the goalless draw between Belgium and Iran earlier in the day, the All Whites can still qualify if they defeat Belgium in their final group match.
Historic Moment for Egyptian Football
For decades, Egypt had waited for a World Cup victory.
That wait finally ended in Vancouver as the Pharaohs delivered one of the most memorable results in the nation’s football history.
With Salah leading from the front and confidence growing throughout the squad, Egypt now finds itself on the verge of a place in the knockout stages and dreaming of an even greater achievement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.