Salah Stars as Egypt Come From Behind to Beat New Zealand 3–1

For an hour at BC Place in Vancouver, New Zealand were dreaming of one of the great World Cup upsets. The All Whites, back at a World Cup for the first time since 2010, had stunned Egypt with an early goal and were defending it heroically. But class, and one man in particular, eventually told. Inspired by the talismanic Mohamed Salah, Egypt scored three times in the second half to come from behind and win 3–1 — a result that revives their World Cup 2026 campaign.

A Dream Start for the Underdogs

New Zealand could hardly have asked for a better beginning. In the 15th minute, Surman struck after good work from Payne to give the All Whites a shock lead. The Egyptian players looked stunned, and New Zealand's well-drilled defensive block did the rest, frustrating their more illustrious opponents through the remainder of the first half.

Egypt dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined, deep-lying New Zealand side. As the interval came and went with the underdogs still ahead, the pressure on Egypt — among the favourites to progress from the group — grew with every passing minute.

Salah Turns the Tide

The breakthrough finally came in the 58th minute, when Ziko swept home an equaliser after good work from Hany to release the floodgates. Nine minutes later, the moment the match had been waiting for arrived: Mohamed Salah, fed by Ziko, applied the finish that his quality deserved to put Egypt ahead for the first time. BC Place, packed with Egyptian support, erupted.

There was still time for Salah to turn provider. In the 82nd minute, his clever pass picked out Trezeguet, who made no mistake to seal a 3–1 victory and complete a comprehensive second-half turnaround.

What It Means

For Egypt, it was a vital result and a reminder of the difference a world-class talent like Salah can make — directly involved in all three goals, either scoring or assisting. After a slow start, the Pharaohs are firmly back in contention to advance from Group G.

For New Zealand, there is heartbreak but also enormous pride. For 58 minutes they were the better side, and they continue to show they belong on this stage. Follow every World Cup 2026 match live on KickD — real-time scores, goal alerts, and group standings updated every 60 seconds.

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