Egypt Ends Decades of Hurt with Landmark Victory
Mohamed Salah finally exorcised his World Cup demons in spectacular fashion as Egypt secured their first-ever victory at a FIFA World Cup finals, beating New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday. After eight previous attempts without a win spanning 92 years, the Pharaohs came from behind to ignite their 2026 campaign and move to the brink of the last 32.
Salah, 34, was the catalyst, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 67th minute and then delivering a corner for Trezeguet to head home the clincher. The result, coupled with the opening draw against Belgium, leaves Egypt needing only a point against Iran to guarantee progression – and they might not even require that.
"It's a great achievement for all the players. It's a great win. It's a great vibe. The next game is very important," Salah said after the match.
The Egyptian King Awakens After Slow Start
After a quiet opening draw with Belgium and a subdued first half against the Kiwis, the fear was that Salah’s World Cup curse would continue. He had been a peripheral figure, and Egypt even fell behind to an early New Zealand goal. But the second half saw the Liverpool legend roll back the years, showcasing the relentless drive that made him a global icon.
Salah’s strike was his 68th for his country in 118 appearances, leaving him just one shy of manager Hossam Hassan’s all-time scoring record. His performance did not go unnoticed by pundits. Former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou told ITV:
"If there was any doubt about his quality or his hunger, he put that to bed today. He stood up for his country when it mattered most."
No player has been involved in more shots during a single match at this tournament – Salah had five attempts himself and created five more for team-mates.
From Heartbreak to Immortality
To understand the magnitude of this moment, one must revisit Salah’s traumatic history with the World Cup. In 2018, a shoulder injury suffered in the Champions League final meant he was rushed back for the tournament, but he could only watch from the bench as Egypt lost to Uruguay. His penalty against Russia was a consolation in a 3-1 defeat, and then a shocking miss against Saudi Arabia sealed a humiliating group-stage exit.
The fallout was toxic. Salah accused the Egyptian FA of disrupting preparations, and there were widespread reports he was on the verge of retiring from international football. Four years later, Egypt failed to qualify for Qatar 2022 entirely, prolonging the agony.
Salah’s club future remains unsettled after a turbulent final season at Liverpool, where he clashed with manager Arne Slot before announcing his summer departure. Yet, amid transfer links to multiple clubs worldwide, he made the World Cup his overriding priority – and now he has delivered a moment that will forever define his legacy with the national team.
Key Takeaways
- Historic breakthrough: Egypt’s first World Cup win in their ninth finals appearance, coming 92 years after their debut.
- Salah’s redemption: The 34-year-old shrugged off past disappointments with a match-winning display, scoring and assisting to turn the game.
- Knockout stages within reach: A point against Iran will almost certainly send the Pharaohs into the last 32 for the first time.
- Records beckon: Salah is one goal away from equalling Hossam Hassan’s all-time Egypt scoring record.
Quick Facts
Score: Egypt 3-1 New Zealand
Venue: TBC
Salah’s goal tally: 68 in 118 caps
Egypt’s World Cup win drought: 92 years (first win at ninth try)
Next fixture: Egypt vs Iran – a draw likely guarantees progression