Salah hails Egypt's historic first FIFA World Cup win after 92-year wait
Synopsis
Ninety-two years after their World Cup debut, Egypt finally won a match at the tournament — and they did it in style, coming from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver. Mohamed Salah scored, set records, and then promised more. This is not just a footnote in African football; it could be the start of something bigger.
Key Takeaways
Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver on 22 June to claim their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory , 92 years and 25 days after their debut.
Goals came from Mostafa Zico , Mohamed Salah , and Trezeguet as Egypt came from behind.
Salah became the first Egyptian to score in two World Cup editions and the oldest Egyptian scorer in the tournament at 34 years and 6 days .
He surpassed Magdy Abdelghany , who scored against the Netherlands in 1990 aged 30 years and 320 days .
Egypt top their group and next face Iran in the third round.
Mohamed Salah described his 'indescribable happiness' after Egypt claimed their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory on 22 June in Vancouver, ending a 92-year wait since the Pharaohs' debut at the global showpiece. The landmark 3-1 win over New Zealand — secured after coming from behind — is already being hailed as one of the defining moments in Egyptian football history.
How Egypt Turned the Game Around
Egypt found themselves trailing before goals from Mostafa Zico, Mohamed Salah, and Trezeguet completed a stunning comeback. The second half belonged entirely to the Pharaohs, who dominated possession, created multiple chances, and ultimately put the contest beyond New Zealand's reach. It was a performance that underscored Egypt's growing confidence at this level.
Salah's Historic Personal Milestones
Beyond the team result, the match delivered a string of individual records for the Egyptian captain. Salah became the first Egyptian player to score in two FIFA World Cup editions. He also became the oldest Egyptian scorer in World Cup history at 34 years and 6 days, surpassing Magdy Abdelghany, who was 30 years and 320 days old when he netted against the Netherlands in 1990. Salah was also named the best player of the match.
What Salah Said After the Win
'It's incredible. I don't know how to express it in words. It's a great achievement for all the players and for the staff. Hopefully we can carry on like this in the group, and we can write history and qualify — and in years to come, it will be remembered as one of the best achievements in the history of Egyptian football,' Salah said after the final whistle.
He added that he and his teammates had pledged to give everything for the Egyptian fans and push as deep into the tournament as possible. 'We are at the top of the group, but the next match is very important. We will celebrate today and then prepare for Iran in the third round starting tomorrow,' he said.
What Comes Next for Egypt
With the win, Egypt sit top of their group heading into the next round. Their attention now turns to a crucial third-round fixture against Iran, which Salah flagged as a pivotal test. A positive result there could set Egypt on course for a historic deep run — something the country has never achieved in 92 years of World Cup participation.
Point of View
At 34, is playing on borrowed tournament time, which makes his record-breaking performance here both triumphant and bittersweet. The real question is whether this squad can sustain the second-half intensity they showed against New Zealand when the opposition stiffens. Iran next is a serious test of whether this is a one-match story or the beginning of a genuine African deep run at a World Cup.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Egypt ever won a FIFA World Cup match before?
No. The 3-1 victory over New Zealand on 22 June in Vancouver is Egypt's first-ever win in the FIFA World Cup, coming 92 years and 25 days after their debut in the tournament.
Who scored for Egypt against New Zealand?
Mostafa Zico, Mohamed Salah, and Trezeguet scored for Egypt as they came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1.
What records did Mohamed Salah set in the match?
Salah became the first Egyptian to score in two FIFA World Cup editions and the oldest Egyptian scorer in World Cup history at 34 years and 6 days, surpassing Magdy Abdelghany's record set in 1990.
Where do Egypt stand in their group after the win?
Egypt are at the top of their group following the victory over New Zealand. Their next fixture is against Iran in the third round.
What did Salah say after Egypt's historic win?
Salah said the achievement was 'incredible' and 'indescribable in words,' calling it one of the greatest in Egyptian football history. He added that the squad would celebrate before immediately refocusing on the Iran match.
