Salah inspires Egypt to first-ever World Cup win as Pharaohs gain control of Group G

Mohamed Salah scored to lead Egypt into the history books with their first-ever victory in a World Cup match, winning 3-1 against New Zealand in Vancouver on Monday, June 22, 2026.

The outgoing Liverpool ace scored in the 66th minute to turn the game on its head, moments after Mostafa Zico’s equaliser sparked the comeback.

New Zealand had taken the lead through Marko Stamenić’s 15th-minute header. However, Trézéguet stepped off the substitutes’ bench to round off the scoring and seal the historical victory.

Mahmoud Trézéguet stepped off the substitutes’ bench to round off the scoring and seal a superb comeback for the Pharaohs, sending them to the top of Group G ahead of their final group clash.

Search for maiden World Cup wins

Both teams entered the tie seeking a maiden win at this stage, and New Zealand initially looked the likelier to grab it with a couple of decisive phases of play. Stamenić’s free header from a set-piece left the Egyptian defense with questions to address after going down early.

Salah, who fielded more centrally in attack, partnering Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush in attack, troubled Max Crocombe in the New Zealand goal as the All Whites weathered a storm to take their lead into the break.

Hossam Hassan’s side maintained their attacking intent in the second half and were duly rewarded when Zico headed home from a right-wing cross to level matters. Sensing blood, the Egyptians upped the ante.

Zico turned provider for Salah moments later, setting up the skipper, playing in his fourth World Cup match for the Pharaohs, to fire a low shot past Crocombe and turn the tie on its head.

Egypt’s all-time scoring record

With this goal, Salah closed in on his head coach Hassan’s record as Egypt’s all-time top scorer (68 goals). He joins a stellar list of big names to score in the ongoing World Cup alongside Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé, among many others.

The African giants kept their front-foot approach against a seemingly tired New Zealand side, and Trézéguet put the game beyond the Oceania nation’s reach with 15 minutes remaining.

After seven minutes of added time, the Pharaohs claimed a historic, first-ever win in the World Cup as Salah got his tournament up and running. Egypt, who drew with Belgium in their group opener, next face Iran in their final Group G tie, needing just a draw to secure their place in the round of 32.