The All Whites’ FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign will hinge on their final match in Group G after today’s 3-1 defeat to Egypt.

Despite taking the lead early in the first half in Vancouver, Canada, New Zealand were overwhelmed by an improved second half performance from Egypt who are now in pole position to top Group G.

Today’s match started in the best possible fashion for the All Whites after Finn Surmann’s towering header in the 15^th minute opened the scoring following a Tim Payne corner.

The goal was the pinnacle of a strong first half showing that saw New Zealand shut out the African side and take a 1-0 lead into the break.

The All Whites nearly doubled their lead early in the 52^nd minute, Callum McCowatt’s flicked header nearly caught Egypt’s keeper out after a long pass from Marko Stamenic.

But Egypt would find an equaliser in the 58^th minute through Mostafa Zico, his powerful header proved too strong for Max Crocombe to keep out.

It would be Egyptian star Mohamed Salah who would give his side the go ahead goal in the 67^th minute, as he calmly stroked the ball past Crocombe to finish off a neat one two passing movement inside the Kiwi box.

The killer blow came inside the final ten minutes of regular time. An unmarked Mahmoud Trezegeut guided a pin point header past the New Zealand defence to give Egypt what proved to be an unassailable 3-1 lead.

Despite throwing everything at the Egyptian defence, the All Whites could not force a grandstand finish to the match.

However, the result does not rule out New Zealand’s chances of making the next round, with Group G still undefined coming into Saturday’s final match.

Egypt now sit top of Group G with 4 points, while Iran and Belgium are second and third respectively with two points each after their goalless draw earlier today.

The top two nations from each group qualify for the Round of 32, while eight of the best third placed teams also progress into the knock out stages.

The All Whites will return to Vancouver for their final Group G match against Belgium at 3pm NZT on Saturday 27 June which will be available live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 1.

Fulltime

All Whites 1 (Finn Surman 15’)

Egypt 3 (Mostafa Zico 58’, Mohamed Salah 67’, Mahmoud Trezeguet 82’)

Article added: Monday 22 June 2026