Vancouver, June 22 (QNA) - Egypt secured their first-ever victory in FIFA World Cup history after defeating New Zealand 3-1 in their Group G clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, currently being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

New Zealand made the brighter start and took the lead in the 15th minute through Finn Surman, who rose highest to meet a well-delivered cross inside the penalty area and powered a header into the net, capitalizing on poor defensive marking from the Egyptian backline.

Egypt responded strongly after the break and found the equalizer in the 58th minute. Mostafa Ziko headed home a precise cross from Mohamed Hany, with the ball crossing the line despite the New Zealand goalkeeper's attempt to keep it out.

The Pharaohs continued to press for a second goal and were rewarded in the 67th minute through captain Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool forward opened his account for the tournament after combining brilliantly with Ziko, who returned the ball with a clever touch inside the box before Salah calmly slotted a low finish into the net.

Substitute Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet sealed the victory in the 82nd minute, powering home a header from a well-taken corner kick that left the New Zealand goalkeeper with no chance.

Ziko was one of Egypt's standout performers, scoring the equalizer and providing the assist for Salah's goal. In doing so, he became the first Egyptian player to both score and assist in the same World Cup match.

Salah also continued to make history for his country, taking his World Cup tally to three goals and becoming Egypt's all-time leading scorer in the tournament, surpassing Abdelrahman Fawzi, who scored twice.

The victory marks Egypt's first-ever win in World Cup competition, having previously participated in three editions of the tournament without recording a single victory. It also represents the second win by an Arab nation at the current World Cup, following Morocco's triumph over Scotland.

The result provides Egypt with a significant boost ahead of their final Group G fixture as they pursue a historic first qualification for the Round of 16. Egypt now lead the group standings with four points from two matches, two points ahead of both Belgium and Iran, while New Zealand remain bottom with one point. (QNA)