VANCOUVER, JOURNALARTA.COM – New Zealand vs Egypt ended with major consequences for both sides. Egypt claimed their first-ever World Cup win after beating New Zealand 3-1 on Matchday 2 of Group G at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Monday, June 22, 2026.
The result meant more than three points. It erased Egypt’s long winless record at the tournament after three previous appearances. And Mohamed Salah finally scored his first goal on football’s biggest stage.
New Zealand Took the Lead, Egypt Turned It Around After the Break
The match started with a surprise. New Zealand looked sharper early on and struck from a set piece. Finn Surman opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a powerful header after Tim Payne’s corner kick found him unmarked, leaving goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir with no chance.
New Zealand led 1-0 at halftime. Egypt struggled to break down a disciplined defense that relied on compact shape and effective long balls.
But the second half told a different story. Egypt came out pressing much higher. Mostafa Ziko equalized in the 58th minute with a header from Mohamed Hany’s cross on the right flank. The 52,497-capacity stadium, packed that night, erupted.
Nine minutes later, Salah stepped in. He combined neatly with Ziko inside the box before firing a first-time finish into the far corner past Max Crocombe. Goal. Egypt led 2-1.
Mahmoud Trezeguet sealed the win in the 82nd minute. He powered in a diving header at the far post after Salah’s corner kick. Crocombe had no answer. Final score: 3-1.
Statistics Point to Egypt’s Control
The numbers told the same story. Egypt held 56 percent possession compared with New Zealand’s 44 percent. Egypt also produced 19 shots, with seven on target. New Zealand managed 10 attempts, including five on goal.
Salah’s Man of the Match award made sense. He was directly involved in two of Egypt’s three goals.
| Team | Played | Won | Drew | Lost | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +2 | 4 |
| Belgium | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Iran | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -2 | 1 |
Egypt now top Group G with four points, two ahead of Belgium and Iran. New Zealand sit bottom with one point.
Hossam Hassan: ‘The Vibration Is Good’
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan did not hide his satisfaction after the final whistle.
For live scores and schedules, analysis, predictions, games, and the latest World Cup 2026 updates, visit: JournalArta Special Event https://journalarta.com/piala-dunia-2026/
📝 Leave a Comment
Comment as . Reviewed by an admin before it appears.