Salah leads second-half turnaround as Egypt clinch maiden World Cup win

RIYADH: It was not the start Egypt had hoped for after an impressive 1-1 draw against Belgium in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A stalemate earlier in the day between Iran and Belgium meant a victory against the All Whites would launch the Pharaohs to the top of Group G.

Yet, the encounter carried more weight than just three points for either team. Both sides had yet to register a World Cup victory prior to kick-off. For Egypt, it was eight matches across four tournament appearances, and for New Zealand, seven matches in three World Cups.

Ultimately, Hossam Hassan’s half-time team talk must have struck a chord, as the Pharaohs emerged with a completely different energy in the second half to overturn New Zealand’s 1-0 lead and secure a 3-1 victory.

But it was a nervy start for Egypt, who appeared unable to find a solution to New Zealand’s dominance in the air. Elijah Just, Sarpreet Singh and Chris Wood broke between the lines on multiple occasions, creating chances through the half-spaces and testing Mostafa Shoubir.

Egypt’s chances mostly came from the ball breaking toward the trio Mohamed Salah, Emam Ashour or Omar Marmoush, but it was not a half to remember for the players.

Salah was isolated on the right, unable to influence play unless he drifted into central areas, while Marmoush struggled to impact the game beyond a dangerous shot that was parried away by Max Crocombe in the 26th minute.

At that point, however, Egypt were already 1-0 down. Tim Payne’s corner found Finn Surman unmarked, and the Portland Timbers’ defender headed home to give the All Whites an unlikely lead in the 15th minute.

“We are being too nice,” said Egyptian football legend Mohamed Aboutrika during the half-time