Salah Inspires Egypt to First World Cup Win After 92-Year Wait
Egypt finally ended their 92-year wait for a FIFA World Cup victory after defeating New Zealand 3-1 in a historic Group G clash.
The Pharaohs had gone eight World Cup matches without a win across appearances in 1934, 1990, 2018 and their opening game of the 2026 tournament. But that long wait came to an end thanks to a brilliant second-half performance led by captain Mohamed Salah.
Egypt fell behind early in the match and looked set for another frustrating evening. However, they responded strongly, with Surman and Zizo helping to turn the game around before Salah produced the moment that changed everything.
The Liverpool legend fired Egypt into the lead in the 67th minute and later delivered the corner that was headed home by Trezeguet to secure a famous victory.
For Salah, it was a special moment after years of disappointment on football’s biggest stage. Injuries affected his first World Cup appearance in 2018, while Egypt failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Now, at the age of 34, the Egyptian star has finally played a decisive role in a World Cup victory and moved his country closer to the knockout rounds.
“It is a great achievement for all the players. It is a great win and a great feeling,” Salah said after the match.
The goal was Salah’s 68th for Egypt, leaving him just one strike away from equalling the national team’s all-time scoring record held by coach Hossam Hassan.
Egypt now sit in a strong position in Group G and know that a positive result against Iran in their final group match could secure a place in the last 32.
After more than nine decades of waiting, Egypt have finally celebrated a World Cup victory, and with Salah leading the way, the Pharaohs may not be finished yet.
