FIFA WC 2026: Salah scores to give Egypt first World Cup win in 92 years
Synopsis
Egypt waited 92 years and 25 days for their first World Cup win — and when it came, it arrived on the boots of Mohamed Salah, who became the oldest Egyptian scorer and the first to net at two World Cups. A comeback from a half-time deficit, a history-making captain, and a two-point lead in Group G: Egyptian football has never had a night quite like this.
Key Takeaways
Egypt defeated New Zealand 3-1 on 22 June at BC Place, Vancouver to record their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory.
The win came 92 years and 25 days after Egypt's World Cup debut, ending the longest wait for a first win in tournament history.
Mohamed Salah , aged 34 years and 6 days , became the oldest Egyptian to score at a World Cup and the first Egyptian to score in two World Cup editions .
Zico (58th minute), Salah (67th minute), and Trezeguet (82nd minute) scored for Egypt; Finn Surman netted for New Zealand in the 15th minute.
Egypt now lead Group G by two points after Iran and Belgium drew earlier in the day.
Mohamed Salah delivered a moment for the history books on 22 June at BC Place, Vancouver, scoring the decisive goal as Egypt came from behind to defeat New Zealand 3-1 — claiming their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, 92 years and 25 days after their debut at the tournament. The win propels Egypt to the top of Group G heading into the final round of matches.
Salah's Historic Milestones
Salah did not merely score the winning goal — he rewrote Egyptian football history in the process. He became the first Egyptian player to score in two separate FIFA World Cup editions, a feat no compatriot had managed before him. At 34 years and 6 days old, he also surpassed Magdy Abdelghany — who was 30 years and 320 days old when he scored against the Netherlands in 1990 — to become the oldest Egyptian ever to score at a World Cup.
How the Match Unfolded
New Zealand began aggressively at BC Place, with Sarpreet Singh and Elijah Just both threatening early. Finn Surman gave the All Whites a deserved lead in the 15th minute with a powerful header from a corner — marking the first time in history that Egypt had gone behind at half-time in a World Cup fixture.
Egypt pressed for an equaliser before the break, with Salah and Emam Ashour both going close. Salah was denied again by goalkeeper Max Crocombe in the opening minute of the second half. At the other end, Egyptian custodian Mostafa Shobeir kept his side in the contest with a fine save from Callum McCowatt's flicked header.
The turning point arrived in the 58th minute when Zico levelled with a free header, restoring parity for Hossam Hassan's side. Nine minutes later, Salah struck the decisive blow — guiding a crisp, low finish into the net following a slick team move, triggering wild celebrations. Trezeguet completed the scoreline with Egypt's third goal eight minutes from time.
Group G Standings and What It Means
Earlier in the day, Iran and Belgium played out a draw, leaving Egypt with a two-point lead at the top of Group G. The result dramatically improves Egypt's prospects of advancing to the knockout rounds — a stage they have never previously reached at a World Cup.
A 92-Year Wait Ends
Egypt's World Cup journey stretches back to 1934, making them one of the earliest African nations to compete at the tournament. Despite several appearances, they had never registered a win — until now. This victory, set against the backdrop of Salah's individual brilliance and a collective comeback, marks a watershed moment for Egyptian football and for the African continent's presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Point of View
Yet the fact that Egypt needed him to be 34 years old and on his second World Cup before it happened underlines how long this moment was deferred. With Iran and Belgium neutralising each other, Egypt's path to the knockout stage is now firmly in their own hands — something that would have seemed improbable even 48 hours ago.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Egypt win their first FIFA World Cup match?
Egypt recorded their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory on 22 June 2026, beating New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver. The win came 92 years and 25 days after their World Cup debut.
What records did Mohamed Salah set against New Zealand?
Salah became the first Egyptian to score in two separate FIFA World Cup editions and, at 34 years and 6 days old, the oldest Egyptian to score at a World Cup, surpassing Magdy Abdelghany's record set in 1990.
How did Egypt come back from a goal down?
New Zealand led through Finn Surman's 15th-minute header — the first time Egypt had trailed at half-time in a World Cup. Zico equalised in the 58th minute, Salah struck the winner in the 67th, and Trezeguet added a third with eight minutes remaining.
Where does Egypt stand in Group G after the win?
Egypt lead Group G by two points heading into the final group stage match, after Iran and Belgium drew earlier on the same day.
Who is the coach of Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Egypt are managed by Hossam Hassan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as referenced in match reports covering the New Zealand game.
