Mohamed Salah scored the go-ahead goal as Egypt rallied to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver, earning the Pharaohs their first-ever World Cup victory. Salah’s 68th international goal came in the 67th minute and ignited a jubilant celebration among the sellout crowd at BC Place; he received a standing ovation when substituted in the 85th minute. The win moves Egypt to the top of Group G, though they still need at least a draw against Iran in Seattle on Friday to secure knockout-stage qualification.
New Zealand took an early lead when Finn Surman nodded home a 15th-minute corner from Tim Payne, but Egypt equalized in the 58th minute when Mostafa Zico headed past Max Crocombe after sustained pressure. Salah converted a back-heel pass from Zico for the go-ahead strike, leaving him one goal shy of tying coach Hossam Hassan as Egypt’s all-time top scorer. Trézéguet sealed the result with a diving header in the 82nd minute. Egypt’s Hamdy Fathy was substituted late in the first half with an apparent injury and replaced by Ramy Rabia.
Egypt are making their fourth World Cup appearance after missing the 2022 tournament in Qatar. New Zealand, who drew 2-2 with Iran in their opener and previously drew all three matches at the 2010 World Cup, return to Vancouver to face Belgium on Friday.
