New Zealand claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Egypt in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G in Auckland on Tuesday. The All Whites took the lead through Chris Wood's early header, but Mohamed Salah equalized from the penalty spot before Ben Waine's late strike sealed the win.
First-Half Action
New Zealand started brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute when captain Chris Wood powered a header past Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy from a corner. The All Whites dominated possession in the opening half-hour but failed to extend their lead.
Egypt grew into the game and were awarded a penalty in the 38th minute after a VAR review for a handball by New Zealand defender Michael Boxall. Mohamed Salah stepped up and calmly converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the score at 1-1.
Second-Half Drama
The second half saw both teams create chances. Egypt thought they had taken the lead when Salah scored again, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check. In the 67th minute, Egypt were awarded a second penalty after a foul on winger Omar Marmoush. Salah stepped up again, but this time his spot-kick was saved by New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe, diving to his left.
New Zealand capitalized on the miss and pushed forward. The winning goal came in the 83rd minute when substitute Ben Waine latched onto a through ball from Marko Stamenic and slotted past El-Shenawy to make it 2-1.
Impact and Reaction
The victory puts New Zealand top of Group G with three points, while Egypt remain without a point. New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley praised his team's resilience: "We knew it would be tough against a quality side like Egypt, but the boys showed great character to come back after conceding and then hold on for the win."
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan expressed disappointment: "We had chances to win the game, especially the missed penalty. We need to regroup and focus on the next match."
New Zealand's next match is against Uruguay, while Egypt face South Korea in a must-win encounter.
