Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt to a historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand on Sunday night, helping the Pharaohs secure their first-ever FIFA World Cup win and move to the top of Group G. The Liverpool star scored the decisive goal in the second half before a packed crowd at BC Place in Vancouver, where thousands of Egyptian supporters celebrated a landmark moment in the nation’s football history. Egypt, appearing in its fourth World Cup and first since Russia 2018, now sits atop Group G. However, the Pharaohs still need at least a draw against Iran in Seattle on Friday to guarantee a place in the knockout stage. Salah’s strike was his 68th international goal and moved him within one goal of equalling Egypt coach Hossam Hassan’s national team scoring record. The forward celebrated by pumping his fist before teammates surrounded him near the corner flag. Fans later gave him a standing ovation when he left the field in the 85th minute. New Zealand Strike First New Zealand made the stronger start and took the lead in the 15th minute. Defender Finn Surman rose highest to meet a corner from Tim Payne and powered a header into the net. The goal marked Surman’s third international strike for the All Whites. The early breakthrough stunned Egypt, which struggled to create clear chances during the opening half. Salah came close in the 35th minute when Omar Marmoush rolled a free kick into his path. The effort drifted narrowly wide and struck the side netting. Egypt also suffered an injury setback before halftime. Midfielder Hamdy Fathy left the field after appearing to suffer an injury away from the ball. Ramy Rabia replaced him before the break. The Pharaohs entered the second half trailing but quickly increased the pressure. Salah Delivers as Egypt Makes History Egypt found the equaliser in the 58th minute through Mostafa Zico. The forward slipped between Surman and Payne before directing a header toward goal. Goalkeeper Max Crocombe got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out. Zico celebrated by urging Egyptian supporters to raise the noise inside the stadium. Mo salah scores to put Egypt up 2-1 🇪🇬 pic.twitter.com/ozb2MM5fHZ— Devin Wills (@Texaspete911) June 22, 2026 Nine minutes later, Egypt completed the turnaround. Zico delivered a clever back-heel pass into Salah’s path, and the captain calmly finished to give Egypt a 2-1 lead. The goal sparked wild celebrations among Egyptian fans and shifted momentum completely in the Pharaohs’ favour. Trezeguet sealed the victory in the 82nd minute with a diving header, ensuring Egypt collected all three points. The result represented a significant milestone for Egyptian football. Egypt participated in the World Cup in 1934, 1990 and 2018 but had never won a match before Sunday’s triumph. Salah scored twice during the 2018 tournament in Russia but could not prevent Egypt from exiting in the group stage. The Pharaohs opened their 2026 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Belgium. Emam Ashour scored early before Romelu Lukaku came off the bench and helped force an own goal. New Zealand entered the contest after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Iran. Elijah Just scored both goals in that match. The All Whites previously appeared at the 2010 World Cup, where they earned three draws but failed to register a victory. Egypt now stands one step away from reaching the knockout rounds, with Salah once again at the centre of the country’s World Cup ambitions.