GetCelebrity Editorial
Egypt has achieved a historic milestone, securing its first-ever victory at a FIFA men’s World Cup by defeating New Zealand 3-1 in a Group G match played in Vancouver. This significant win propelled Egypt to the top of Group G, in the nation's football history.
The match saw New Zealand initially take the lead, with Finn Surman scoring their opening goal, putting them 1-0 up at halftime. However, Egypt mounted a strong comeback in the second half. Goals from Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Zico, and Trezeguet ensured a 3-1 victory for the Egyptian side.
This triumph follows Egypt's opening Group G match, where they drew 1-1 with Belgium. With four points from two games, Egypt now leads Group G, ahead of Belgium and Iran, who each have two points. New Zealand, after their loss, stands with one point. The victory places Egypt in a strong position, close to qualifying for the knockout stage, though their qualification is not yet mathematically secured.
The team's manager, Hossam Hassan, expressed the deep sentiment surrounding the win, stating, "My feeling today is the same as the feeling of the Egyptian people. I am one of them and I love them, whether those who attended here or those who stayed up late to watch us in Egypt; they made us feel as if we were in Egypt." Mohamed Salah echoed the excitement, calling it "one of history's greatest achievements."
What is confirmed
- Confirmed Egypt defeated New Zealand 3-1 in a 2026 World Cup Group G match played in Vancouver.[1][2][4][6][7][8]
- Confirmed This 3-1 victory over New Zealand is Egypt’s first-ever win at a FIFA men’s World Cup.[1][2][4][6][7][8][13]
- Confirmed The win moved Egypt to the top of Group G at the time of the match.[1][2][3][4][6][7][8][9]
- Confirmed After this match Egypt had four points from two Group G games.[2][3][5][7][8]
- Confirmed Belgium and Iran each had two points from two games in Group G at that time.[2][3][7]
- Confirmed New Zealand had one point after two Group G matches following the loss to Egypt.[3][7]
- Confirmed New Zealand led Egypt 1-0 at halftime of the match.[1][3][7][8]
- Confirmed Finn Surman scored New Zealand’s opening goal against Egypt.[7]
- Confirmed Mohamed Salah scored one of Egypt’s goals in the 3-1 win over New Zealand.[1][2][3][4][6][7][8][12]
- Confirmed Mostafa Zico scored one of Egypt’s goals in the win over New Zealand.[7][8][9]
- Confirmed Trezeguet scored one of Egypt’s goals in the win over New Zealand.[7][8][9][12]
- Confirmed Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1.[1][2][4][7][8][12]
- Confirmed The match between Egypt and New Zealand was part of Group G at the 2026 World Cup.[1][2][3][4][7][8][9]
- Confirmed Prior to beating New Zealand, Egypt had drawn 1-1 with Belgium in their opening Group G match.[2][3][5]
- Confirmed After this result Egypt were in a strong position and well placed or close to qualifying for the knockout stage, but qualification was not yet mathematically secured.[1][2][3][4][6][7][8][9]
- Reported Egypt’s 3-1 victory over New Zealand “all but assures” or “all but sealed” their first-ever qualification for the World Cup knockout stage.[4][9][11]
- Reported Egypt requires only a draw against Iran in their final Group G match to secure a place in the last 32 of the tournament.[7]
- Reported With this win Egypt is the frontrunner to win Group G.[3]
- Reported The victory sets up a potential knockout-round match against the United States.[3]
Timeline
- — Egypt became the first African and Arab team to play in the FIFA World Cup, beginning a long history without a tournament win.
- — Egypt qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1990, but still had not recorded a World Cup victory.
- — Egypt opened Group G at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Belgium, leaving them without a World Cup win after their first match.
- — Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver, with goals from Mostafa Ziko, Mohamed Salah, and Trezeguet.
- — The victory gave Egypt their first-ever World Cup win and moved them to the top of Group G with four points.
- — Egypt were scheduled to play Iran in their final Group G match, with a result needed to secure advancement and possibly the group lead.
Direct quotes
"My feeling today is the same as the feeling of the Egyptian people. I am one of them and I love them, whether those who attended here or those who stayed up late to watch us in Egypt; they made us feel as if we were in Egypt."
— Hossam Hassan, 2026-06-22
"I told the players that we are playing in Egypt, as if we were in Cairo Stadium."
— Hossam Hassan, 2026-06-22
"The credit goes to Almighty God first, then we took the necessary steps, and the trust of the Egyptian public in their national team staff and in the abilities of their players."
— Hossam Hassan, 2026-06-22
