Mohamed Salah delivered the moment Egypt had waited for across generations.
The forward scored one goal and created another as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver and record their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory. It was not just a comeback. It was a historic correction for a nation that had played at the tournament before without ever turning presence into a win.
New Zealand struck first at BC Place when Finn Surman headed in Tim Payne’s corner in the 15th minute, giving the All Whites hope of claiming their own first World Cup victory. But Egypt changed the force of the game after half-time.
Mostafa Zico brought the Pharaohs level in the 58th minute, heading in Mohamed Hany’s cross after Egypt increased the pressure. Salah then dragged the game into Egyptian history, combining with Zico before finding the bottom corner to make it 2-1.
The former Liverpool forward was not finished. After almost adding another goal, Salah delivered the corner from which substitute Mahmoud Trezeguet headed in Egypt’s third in the 82nd minute.
The 3-1 win moved Egypt to four points from two Group G matches after their opening draw with Belgium. New Zealand, who also surrendered leads in their opening 2-2 draw with Iran, remain on one point and now face a difficult final group match against Belgium.
For Egypt, the night carried a weight far beyond the table. Their previous World Cup appearances had produced frustration, near-misses and no victories. This time, under Hossam Hassan, they found a second-half response strong enough to turn pressure into a landmark result.
“It’s a great achievement for all the players. It’s a great win. It’s a great vibe. The next game is very important,” Salah said after the match, according to the source signal.
Hassan also framed the win as a moment shared with Egyptians inside the stadium and back home, saying the atmosphere made the team feel as though they were playing in Egypt. The coach had demanded a stronger response at the break, and his players delivered it with three goals in 24 second-half minutes.
New Zealand captain Chris Wood admitted the danger Salah carried, while also noting Egypt had threats beyond one player. That proved decisive. Zico started the comeback, Salah gave it authority, and Trezeguet finished the job.
Egypt now head into their final group game against Iran with control of their own story. A win would put them in position to top the group, while New Zealand must beat Belgium to keep their knockout hopes alive.
For Salah and Egypt, the headline is already secure: the Pharaohs have finally won on the World Cup stage.