Vancouver, June 21, 2026. It took 33,628 days — nearly 92 years since Egypt's first World Cup appearance in 1934 — for the Pharaohs to finally taste victory on football's grandest stage. Nothing suggested such an outcome when New Zealand defender Finn Surman powered a header from Tim Payne's corner past goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir in the 15th minute, sending the All Whites into the break with the lead.
The second half told a completely different story. Mostafa Zico levelled with a powerful header from Mohamed Hany's precise cross in the 58th minute, before Mohamed Salah turned the match on its head at the 67th with a delicately curled left-foot finish after a sharp one-two with Zico. Trezeguet, introduced from the bench moments earlier, sealed the win at the 82nd minute, nodding home a Salah corner to put the result beyond doubt.
Egypt now lead Group G with 4 points, two clear of Belgium and Iran. A draw against Iran in Seattle on Friday, June 26 would be enough for the Pharaohs to reach the Round of 16 for the first time in their history. New Zealand, meanwhile, must beat Belgium to keep their qualification hopes alive — a challenge that now borders on the extraordinary.
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