Star forward and Egypt captain Mohamed Salah was ecstatic after leading his nation to their first ever victory at the FIFA World Cup, a 3-1 result over New Zealand (June 21).
Before 2026, Egypt had only ever qualified for the World Cup on three occasions - 1934, 1990 and 2018. In seven games played across those three editions, they had two draws and five losses.
The Pharaohs started their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a positive note, securing a 1-1 draw against the much-fancied Belgium (June 15). Against New Zealand (FIFA #85), a team ranked 56 places below them (FIFA #29) in the FIFA rankings, they had an opportunity to create history.
The opportunity seemed to be fading away when Finn Surman gave the All Whites a surprise lead early in the game (15'). Egypt, however, turned the heat on in the second half and took the game away from their opposition.
After scoring a headed equalizer (58'), Mostafa Ziko set Salah up (67') to turn the tide in his side's favour. The skipper then whipped in a perfect in-swinging corner for Trezeguet (82') to head home and cap off a near-perfect evening for the African side.
Speaking after the game, Salah was elated and proud to have created history for his nation. The two-time African Player of the Year said (via @SalahUpdates on X):
"Well, its incredible. I dont know how to express it in words but its a great achievement for all the players and the staff. Hopefully we can carry on like this in the group, hopefully we can make history and qualify first. In the years to come we will remember this as one of the best achievements in our history. So, we just have to enjoy today, enjoy tomorrow and then focus on the game after."
A point in their final group stage fixture against Iran (June 26) would be enough to see Egypt secure a historic qualification into the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mohamed Salah named Player of the Match in Egypt's historic 3-1 win over New Zealand at FIFA World Cup
Star forward Mohamed Salah was named the Player of the Match in Egypt's landmark 3-1 win over New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old, who is set to leave Liverpool this summer, scored his first goal of the tournament in the 67th minute of the game. He played a silky one-two with Ziko before scoring a trade-mark left-footed curler.
Towards the end of the game, Salah also delivered a pin-point corner for Trezeguet to score Egypt's third of the night. Overall, he created five attacking chances, the most of any player on the pitch.
The Pharaohs' captain completed 26 of his 33 passes (79%), two of three dribbles (67%) and won four of his seven duels (57%, stats via FotMob). He holds the key to his country's dreams of making a historic run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.