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FWC: FRA v IRQ, 8am on SN ExtraSalah magic breaks the hearts of All Whites
Anne M. Peterson • June 22nd, 2026 4:07 pm
A goal from Mohamed Salah helped Egypt beat New Zealand in their World Cup clash in Vancouver | Photo: AAP
Mohamed Salah scored the go-ahead goal as Egypt went on to defeat New Zealand 3-1 and secure their first ever World Cup win.
Salah celebrated his 68th international goal by pumping his fist before he was mobbed by teammates in the 67th minute, to the thrill of the red-clad Pharaohs fans in the sellout crowd at BC Place Vancouver on Sunday (Monday NZ Time).
When Salah was subbed off in the 85th minute he was treated to a standing ovation.
New Zealand's Marko Stamenic was unable to prevent Egypt's Mohamed Salah from scoring | Photo: AAP
Egypt moved to the top of the standings in Group G with the win, but are not yet assured of a spot in the knockout round.
The Pharaohs will play a deciding game against Iran on Friday in Seattle, needing at least a draw to advance.
Egypt are making their fourth World Cup appearance after missing the field in Qatar four years ago. Salah scored a pair of goals in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Finn Surman put New Zealand in front in the 15th minute with a flying header off a corner kick delivered by Instagram sensation Tim Payne. It was the third international goal for the defender, who plays for the Portland Timbers in MLS.
Finn Surman's goal gave New Zealand an early lead against Egypt | Photo: AAP
Omar Marmoush dropped a free kick off to Salah in the 35th minute, but it went just wide and bent into the side netting.
Egypt turned up the pressure coming out of the half and Mostafa Zico broke through with equaliser, finding space between Surman and Payne for a header that goalkeeper Max Crocombe got a hand on but couldn't stop in the 58th minute.
Salah took a back-heel pass from Zico for his goal, which puts him just one away from tying his coach Hossam Hassan for the national team's all-time scoring lead.
Mostafa Zico scored the equaliser for Egypt in the 58th minute | Photo: AAP
Trezeguet's diving header wrapped up scoring for Egypt in the 82nd minute.
Egypt's Hamdy Fathy was subbed off late in the first half after an apparent injury away from the ball. He was replaced by Ramy Rabia.
In their tournament opener against Belgium, Emam Ashour scored an early goal for Egypt, but Romelu Lukaku was subbed into the match and caused chaos in the box, resulting in an own goal for a 1-1 draw.
New Zealand twice took the lead against Iran in their group opener, only to be held to a 2-2 draw. Elijah Just scored both goals for the All Whites.
Egypt and New Zealand All Whites fans dressed to impress in Vancouver | Photo: AAP
New Zealand previously appeared at the World Cup in 2010 and drew all three of their games.
The other teams in Group G, Iran and Belgium, played out a scoreless draw earlier on Sunday in Inglewood, California, giving both sides two draws at the tournament.
New Zealand return to Vancouver on Friday (Saturday NZT) to face Belgium.
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Finn Surman towers above Egypt to score for New Zealand | FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sport Nation
