Egypt achieves its first-ever World Cup victory

Egypt secured a historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand in their second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, played early Monday morning. New Zealand took an early lead in the 15th minute through Finn Surman, but the Pharaohs rallied in the second half. Mostafa Zico equalized with a superb header in the 58th minute, and captain Mohamed Salah put Egypt ahead in the 67th minute, capitalizing on a pinpoint cross from Zico. This was Salah's first goal of the tournament. Egypt continued their dominance, with substitute Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet adding a third goal with a well-placed header in the 82nd minute, securing their first-ever World Cup victory. Egypt now sit atop Group G with four points, temporarily ahead of their final group stage match against Iran.