Egypt stormed back from a goal down to beat New Zealand 3-1 and claim their first-ever World Cup win.
After an end-to-end start by both teams, New Zealand opened the scoring in the 14th minute when an unmarked Finn Surman headed a corner home.
Egypt were determined to stem the bleeding and were given a flurry of free-kicks in dangerous areas, but Mo Salah’s curling attempt was the only chance that came close, flying just wide of the left post.
The Pharaohs looked like a different team from the beginning of the second half however, immediately putting the All-Whites under pressure.
With a wealth of possession and momentum behind them, Egypt finally levelled in the 58th minute as Mostafa Ziko capitalised on a superbly weighted cross.
Some quickfire passing in New Zealand’s box led to Egypt gaining the lead eight minutes later, with Salah playing a one-two with Ziko before firing a low, driven shot past keeper Max Crocombe.
A third goal all-but sealed the result in the 81st minute, substitute Trezeguet beating a tired-looking New Zealand defence to a Salah corner and heading it into the back of the net.
New Zealand had a couple of slim chances to claw one back in the dying minutes, but were ultimately unable to take advantage.
No player has been involved in more shots during a game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup than Mohamed Salah has versus New Zealand today (10 – 5 shots, 5 chances created). pic.twitter.com/A3M5Qb5lYv
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 22, 2026
The result sees Egypt move to the top of Group G, with a clash with Iran awaiting on Friday.
Following the match Salah told fifa.com: “It’s incredible. I don’t know how to express it in words.
“It’s a great achievement for all the players, for the staff, so hopefully we can carry on like this in the group, and we can write history and qualify – and in years to come it will be remembered as one the best achievements in the history [of Egyptian football].
“We have to enjoy today, enjoy tomorrow, then focus on the next game.”