By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Canada, 22 June 2026 - History was made in Vancouver as Egypt finally secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, defeating New Zealand 3-1 in a dramatic Group G encounter that could prove pivotal in their quest to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
For a nation that first appeared at the World Cup in 1934 and had endured seven previous matches without a victory across tournaments in 1934, 1990, and 2018, this was a moment generations of Egyptian football fans had waited to witness.
The Pharaohs arrived at the 2026 World Cup determined to change that narrative, and after a spirited draw against Belgium in their opening match, they delivered the result that will forever be remembered in Egyptian football history.
The evening, however, did not begin according to plan.
New Zealand, who were also searching for their first World Cup win, started brightly and took the lead through defender Finn Surman following a well-worked set piece. The goal stunned the Egyptian supporters inside BC Place and gave the All Whites renewed belief that they could make history themselves. Having already impressed in a 2-2 draw against Iran, New Zealand looked organized, energetic, and capable of causing further problems for Hossam Hassan's side.
Egypt struggled to find their rhythm during the first half. Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush were closely marked, while New Zealand's direct style and physical approach disrupted the Pharaohs' attempts to control possession. As halftime approached, Egypt appeared to be heading toward another frustrating evening.
What followed after the break was the response of a team determined to seize its moment.
Egypt emerged with greater urgency and intensity, and their pressure was rewarded when Mostafa Ziko rose highest to head home the equalizer. The goal completely changed the momentum of the contest and injected new confidence into the North African side.
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With New Zealand beginning to tire, Egypt's superior quality started to shine through. Salah, who had carried the hopes of an entire nation into the tournament, produced a captain's performance when his side needed him most.
After combining brilliantly with Ziko, the Liverpool forward finished calmly to give Egypt the lead and send the Egyptian supporters into celebration. It was a goal worthy of the occasion and further strengthened Salah's status as one of the greatest players in his country's history.
The victory was sealed late in the match when substitute Trezeguet headed home from a Salah corner kick to make it 3-1. The goal removed any lingering doubts and ensured that Egypt would finally claim the victory that had eluded them for more than nine decades. Salah finished the evening with a goal and an assist, playing a decisive role in one of the most significant matches in Egyptian football history.
Beyond the history books, the result has major implications for Group G. Egypt now move into a strong position heading into their final group match, with genuine hopes of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time. After drawing with Belgium and defeating New Zealand, the Pharaohs have shown resilience, tactical maturity, and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
The defeat was a painful one for New Zealand. After leading in the first half, they were unable to contain Egypt's second-half surge and remain without a World Cup victory despite another competitive performance. Their final group match will now be crucial if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.
For Egypt, though, this night belonged to history. Ninety-two years after their World Cup journey began, the Pharaohs finally achieved what generations before them could not. The long wait is over. Egypt are finally World Cup winners.