New Zealand v Egypt

Egypt responded to a lacklustre first-half performance that saw them head into the interval behind, with a furious display of attacking football that produced three goals, en route to a 3-1 win over New Zealand at BC Place in Vancouver; their first in the World Cup. Surman’s headed goal from a corner on the quarter-hour mark gave the All Whites an early lead, but other than McCowatt’s glancing header from close range just after the restart, Bazeley’s team were unable to fashion chances and maintain consistent pressure on Shobeir’s target. Their lack of intensity allowed the Pharaohs to build momentum, which resulted in two goals in eight minutes either side of the hour, with Zico tucking away a close-range header before turning provider to play Salah into space to overturn the deficit. Trezeguet would add a third less than 10 minutes from time to seal the result via a diving header, and it could have been four deep in added time if not for some great goalkeeping from Crocombe to deny Zizo. The win on 1.96 xG leaves Egypt first in the section ahead of a meeting with Iran on June 26 in Seattle, while New Zealand’s 1.21 expected goals isn’t enough to take anything from the game. They’ll take on Belgium in their final match - at the same stadium as tonight’s contest. That concludes our commentary of the 2026 World Cup Group G fixture between New Zealand and Egypt - we hope you’ve enjoyed it!

FULL-TIME: NEW ZEALAND 1-3 EGYPT

90'+9'

Substitution

Abdelmaguid came onto the pitch five minutes from added time, but he’ll have to be removed for Abdelmonem just over a quarter-hour later, as the defender will not be able to carry on following his knock to the head.

It seems to be job done for Egypt at BC Place, who are moments away from recording their first-ever World Cup win at the ninth attempt. The result, if it stands, gives the Pharaohs a great chance of qualifying from the group, as they would lead the section by two points heading into the final day.

Play is stopped for Abdelmaguid, who has gone down after receiving an elbow in the face from Boxall during an aerial duel. The contact seems to have left the defender worse for wear as the medical staff make their way onto the pitch, but he appears desperate to continue, despite an already swelling eye.

BLOCKED ON THE LINE! Shobeir’s long kick out from the back is headed on in midfield by Abdelkarim, who splits the defence with his leading pass for Zizo. In the area with only the goalkeeper to beat, the substitute looks to round the shot-stopper before cutting back to dispatch a finish into the empty net, but Crocombe somehow gets back into position and slides to make a key block and prevent a fourth!