Egypt experienced a historic night at the 2026 World Cup. The African team secured its first World Cup victory after staging a comeback to defeat New Zealand 3-1 in a match that started off as an uphill battle but ended up becoming an unforgettable celebration for the team led by Hossam Hassan.
New Zealand got off to a better start, playing with more intensity, applying high pressure, and with a clear game plan: to attack quickly and exploit the spaces behind the Egyptian defense. Right from the opening minutes, the All Blacks created danger with runs down the wings and crosses into the box. That’s how Egypt defeats New Zealand.
Tim Payne gave New Zealand hope
Tim Payne’s assist🇳🇿pic.twitter.com/YRoE9XcBqe
— 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗮 (@AnderCadena1) June 22, 2026
The goal came in the 13th minute, when Finn Surman found himself unmarked in the six-yard box and headed in a corner kick taken by Tim Payne.
The shot left goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir with no chance and put New Zealand up 1-0.
Egypt struggled for several minutes.
The New Zealand team had a chance to extend their lead, but Shoubir responded with key saves that kept the Africans in the game.
Little by little, Egypt began to gain possession, string together passes, and get its offensive stars more involved.
Mohamed Salah began to make runs between the lines, while Omar Marmoush also created danger with shots and runs near the box.
However, New Zealand went into halftime with the lead, having been more effective at key moments.
The second half went to Egypt
Zico and Trezeguet lead Egypt to victory! 🔥
Yes, the Egyptians Mahmoud Hassan and Mostafa Zico were named after these South American soccer legends because they admire them. pic.twitter.com/NRyOEJga9y
– ESPN.com.mx (@ESPNmx) June 22, 2026
The second half completely turned the game around.
Egypt came out with a different attitude and tied the game in the 59th minute, when Mohamed Hany sent in a cross from the right and Mostafa Zico, unmarked in the box, headed the ball in to make it 1-1.
That goal dealt a blow to New Zealand’s morale and fired up Egypt.
Eight minutes later, Salah received the ball inside the box following a give-and-go with Zico and calmly finished to make it 2-1.
The Egyptian captain once again proved his class at the most crucial moment.
New Zealand tried to respond with offensive changes, but once again failed to mark properly inside the box.
In the 81st minute, Salah took a corner kick to the near post, and Trezeguet, who had just come on as a substitute, headed it in to seal the 3-1 victory.
In the final minutes, New Zealand tried to pull one back, but Egypt defended well and even managed to extend its lead on a play by Zizo.
The score remained unchanged, and the Egyptian national team celebrated a comeback that will go down in its World Cup history.
With this result, Egypt gains momentum in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and leaves New Zealand reeling after having the game in its grasp.
Filed under: Egypt Defeats New Zealand