Mohamed Salah scored the go-ahead goal, and Egypt went on to defeat New Zealand by 3-1 on Sunday night in their Group G match, securing its first-ever World Cup win.
Salah celebrated his 68th international goal by pumping his fist before he was mobbed by his teammates in the 67th minute, to the thrill of the red-clad Pharaohs fans in the sellout crowd at BC Place, Vancouver. He was subbed off in the 85th minute to a standing ovation.
Egypt moved to the top of the standings in Group G with the win, but are not yet assured a spot in the knockout round. The Pharaohs will play a decider against Iran on Friday (June 26, 2026) in Seattle, needing at least a draw to advance.
Egypt is making their fourth World Cup appearance after missing out in Qatar four years ago. Salah scored a pair of goals in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
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