Mohamed Salah starred as Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver on Monday morning, June 22, 2026, securing the Pharaohs’ first-ever World Cup victory. The result lifted Egypt to first place in Group Z with four points and put them close to advancing at the 2026 World Cup.
The win ended an 82-year wait that began with Egypt’s debut at the 1934 tournament in Italy, continued through their return in 1990, and included a pointless campaign in 2018. After missing a chance against Belgium, Egypt came out stronger this time, controlled the second half, and turned a hesitant start into a dominant performance.
Salah, who was below his best against Belgium and again looked disconnected early in this match, changed the game in the 67th minute with the goal that sparked Egypt’s surge and sent the red-clad crowd into celebration. It was also a milestone for him personally, his 68th international goal for Egypt, leaving him one behind the all-time national scoring record held by his coach, Hossem Hassan, who scored 69.
Egypt had fallen behind first, with Finn Surman scoring for New Zealand from a corner, but the Africans gradually took control and finished strongly. New Zealand had hoped for its own historic win, but it faded in the second half. Egypt now face Iran on Saturday, June 27, and a win would secure a place in the knockout stage, while New Zealand will need to upset Belgium to keep its slim hopes alive.