VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Egypt earned its first-ever FIFA World Cup win on Sunday, defeating New Zealand 3-1 in Group G play and moving within reach of the knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history.
Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Zico and Trezeguet scored for Egypt after Finn Surman had given New Zealand an early lead in the 15th minute. The victory lifted Egypt to the top of Group G with four points, meaning a draw against Iran in Seattle on Friday would secure passage to the round of 32.
Egypt, one of Africa’s most storied football nations, had previously qualified for multiple World Cups but never managed a win. The triumph in Vancouver marks a turning point for the team, which has long been seen as a continental powerhouse but struggled to translate regional success onto the global stage.
“This was one of the achievements in history,” Salah said after the match, praising the thousands of Egyptian fans who filled the stadium. “It feels like we are playing in Egypt. It’s a great win and great vibe.”
Surman’s towering header stunned Egypt in the opening quarter-hour, but Zico, nicknamed after the Brazilian legend, leveled the score with a header from Mohamed Hany’s cross. Salah then combined with Zico before curling in a left-footed shot in the 67th minute. Substitute Trezeguet, named after former France striker David Trezeguet, sealed the win with a low header from Salah’s assist.
Belgium and Iran played to a scoreless draw earlier in the day, leaving Egypt in control of Group G.
Egypt’s breakthrough resonates beyond sport. Football is the most popular game in the Arab world, and Egypt’s success could inspire broader regional enthusiasm. The win also underscores Africa’s growing competitiveness on the world stage, where teams from the continent have historically faced challenges advancing deep into the tournament.
International analysts note that Egypt’s progress could strengthen calls for greater investment in African football infrastructure and youth development. FIFA has emphasized expanding opportunities for emerging football nations, and Egypt’s performance may be seen as validation of those efforts.
Egypt faces Iran next in Seattle, where a draw would be enough to secure advancement. New Zealand, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to keep its hopes alive.
For Egyptian fans, the victory is already historic. For the global football community, it is another reminder of the sport’s power to unite nations and rewrite history on the world’s biggest stage
