Mohamed Salah scored one goal and created another as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in their 2026 World Cup Group G match in Vancouver.
The result gave the Pharaohs their first-ever victory at the FIFA World Cup.
Egypt had failed to win a match in their previous appearances at the tournament in 1934, 1990 and 2018.
That wait looked set to continue after New Zealand made the stronger start and took the lead through Finn Surman.
New Zealand strike first
Surman put the All Whites ahead after powering home from a corner, with Egypt’s marking coming under pressure.
The Pharaohs struggled to impose themselves during a quiet first half. Salah’s main opening before the break came from a free-kick near the edge of the area, but he sent his effort wide of the left post.
Egypt returned after halftime with greater urgency.
Hossam Hassan’s side began to push New Zealand deeper, and their attacks started to carry more threat.
Egypt turn the game around
The equaliser arrived shortly before the hour mark.
Mostafa Zico found space in the box and headed in Mohamed Hany’s cross to bring Egypt level.
Within 10 minutes, Salah gave Egypt the lead.
The former Liverpool forward exchanged passes with Zico during a quick break before sweeping the ball into the net with a trademark finish.
Salah later delivered the corner that sealed the win.
His cross from the left found substitute Trezeguet, who dived to head past Max Crocombe and make it 3-1.
The victory moved Egypt closer to the knockout stages and ended one of the longest waits in their World Cup history.
Salah makes World Cup history
Salah’s performance added another landmark to his international career.
At 34, he became the oldest player to score for Egypt at a World Cup.
He also became the oldest African player on record to both score and assist in a World Cup match.
The goal also extended his personal World Cup record. Salah has now either scored or assisted in every World Cup match he has played.
In 2018, he scored against Russia and Saudi Arabia. At the 2026 tournament, he assisted Mohamed Hany’s goal against Belgium before starring against New Zealand.
Although his 2025/26 season with Liverpool was described as his final campaign at Anfield, Salah has again shown his influence on the biggest stage.
For Egypt, his second-half display turned a difficult night in Vancouver into a historic World Cup moment.
