Egypt overturns an early deficit in Boston to secure its first-ever World Cup victory. Mohamed Salah scores and assists as the Pharaohs climb to the top of Group G and take a major step toward the Round of 32.
Egypt made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating New Zealand 3-1 in Boston to claim the nation’s first-ever victory on football’s biggest stage. Led by a brilliant second-half display from Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs completed a comeback that could prove decisive in their quest for qualification.
The result, combined with Belgium’s scoreless draw against Iran, sends Egypt to the top of Group G with four points, putting Hassan Hassan’s side in a strong position ahead of the final group-stage match against Iran.
New Zealand entered the contest knowing it was likely its best opportunity to earn a result at the tournament and played with confidence from the opening whistle. Darren Bazeley’s side defended compactly, circulated the ball well and looked dangerous whenever space opened up.
After an encouraging opening from Egypt, the All Whites struck first in the 15th minute. Michael Boxall’s defensive partner Tyler Surman rose highest to head home a corner delivered by Tim Payne, catching the Egyptian defense off guard and sending New Zealand into an unexpected lead.
Egypt struggled to respond during the remainder of the first half. Omar Marmoush and Salah found little room to operate, while goalkeeper Max Crocombe comfortably dealt with the few chances created by the African side. In fact, New Zealand looked closer to doubling its advantage than Egypt did to equalizing before halftime.
Everything changed after the break.
Egypt emerged with far greater intensity, pushing its defensive line higher and pinning New Zealand inside its own half. The pressure finally paid off in the 58th minute when Zico headed in a precise cross from Mohamed Hany to level the match.
The momentum had completely shifted, and ten minutes later Egypt completed the turnaround. Zico cleverly flicked the ball back with his heel after a quick exchange, allowing Salah to burst into the box and beat Crocombe with a composed left-footed finish. It was Salah’s 68th international goal, moving him within one strike of matching the national scoring record held by his coach.
Egypt continued to attack rather than protect its advantage and found a third goal in the 82nd minute. Salah curled in a corner kick that substitute Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” powered into the net, sealing a historic triumph for the Pharaohs.
New Zealand, which had impressed during the first hour, faded under relentless Egyptian pressure and now faces a must-win encounter against Belgium to keep its World Cup dream alive.
Egypt, meanwhile, needs only a positive result against Iran to guarantee a place in the Round of 32.
Match Report
New Zealand 1-3 Egypt
New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne (85′ Bindon), Surman, Boxall, Cacace (76′ Randall); Bell, Stamenic; McCowatt (56′ Old), Singh (76′ Thomas), Just (85′ De Vries); Wood.
Coach: Darren Bazeley.
Egypt (4-2-3-1): El Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Fathy (86′ Rabia), Fatouh; Attia, Lashin; Zico (76′ Abdelkarim), Salah (85′ Abdelmaguid, 99′ Abdelmoneim Mohamed), Ashour (85′ Zizo); Marmoush (76′ Trezeguet).
Coach: Hassan Hassan.
Referee: Not announced.
Goals: 15′ Surman (New Zealand), 58′ Zico (Egypt), 68′ Salah (Egypt), 82′ Trezeguet (Egypt).
Bookings: McCowatt, Singh (New Zealand); Lashin (Egypt).
Red Cards: None.
Venue: Boston.
