Egypt's national team secured a comeback victory over New Zealand 3-1, taking the lead in Group G of the 2026 World Cup. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The match took place on June 22 in Vancouver. New Zealand opened the scoring in the 15th minute: Tim Payne delivered a corner kick, and Finn Surman, outjumping two defenders, headed the ball past Mustafa Shobair – 1-0. Egypt struggled to equalize before halftime, with few dangerous chances.
In the second half, Egypt leveled the score in the 58th minute: Mohamed Hany crossed from the right flank, and Mostafa Ziko positioned himself perfectly between Payne and Surman to head the ball past Max Crocombe – 1-1. In the 67th minute, Mohamed Salah put Egypt ahead, combining with Ziko and firing a left-footed shot into the corner – 2-1. In the 82nd minute, Trezeguet (Mahmoud Ibrahim Hassan), coming off the bench, converted Salah's corner kick into a goal – 3-1.
New Zealand pushed forward in the final minutes but nearly conceded a fourth goal. The playoff spots will be decided in the parallel matches of the third round: on June 27, Egypt will face Iran in Seattle, while New Zealand will play Belgium in Vancouver.
Also on June 22, in Group H, Uruguay drew 2-2 with Cape Verde in Miami. Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0, securing their first win at the 2026 World Cup. The 2026 World Cup started on June 11 and will end on July 19. It is the first tournament held in three countries – the USA, Canada, and Mexico – and the first to feature 48 teams.