Egypt Make History with First-Ever World Cup Win After 3-1 Comeba

Mohamed Salah and his Egypt national football team produced a stunning second-half turnaround to defeat New Zealand national football team 3-1 in Group G, securing their first-ever victory in World Cup history.

Despite conceding early, Egypt responded with a dominant second-half display, scoring three unanswered goals to complete a memorable comeback at BC Place Stadium in Canada.

New Zealand took the lead in the 15th minute through Finn Surman, who rose above the defence to head home from a well-delivered corner by Michael Payne. The Kiwis controlled much of the first half and deserved their 1-0 advantage at the break.

However, the match completely shifted after halftime. In the 58th minute, Mohamed Hany delivered a precise cross from the right, and Mohamed Ziko finished with a powerful header to bring Egypt level.

Momentum quickly swung in Egypt’s favour. In the 67th minute, Salah combined brilliantly inside the box with Ziko, exchanging quick passes before calmly placing a low finish into the bottom-left corner to give Egypt a 2-1 lead.

The victory was sealed in the 82nd minute when substitute David Trezeguet scored with a header from a perfect cross by Salah, finishing clinically with just his third touch of the ball.

New Zealand pushed for an equaliser but failed to break through Egypt’s defence in the closing stages. The result confirmed a historic milestone for Egypt, who had never won a World Cup match in their previous appearances in 1934, 1990, and 2018.

With this 3-1 victory, Egypt move to the top of Group G after drawing 1-1 with Belgium in their opening match, while New Zealand—who had also drawn their first game against Iran—suffer their first defeat of the tournament.

Egypt will next face Iran on 27 June, while New Zealand take on Belgium on the same day in their final group-stage fixture.

MMR