New Zealand took a deserved 1-0 lead over Egypt at halftime in their crucial Group G clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The All Whites started brightly and put the Pharaohs under pressure from the opening minutes before making their dominance count in the 15th minute.
The breakthrough came from New Zealand’s first corner of the match. T. Payne delivered an excellent cross into the box, and F. Surman rose highest to power a header past goalkeeper M. Shobeir.
Mohamed Salah and his teammates responded by pushing forward in search of an equalizer, but New Zealand defended resolutely and protected its advantage until the halftime whistle.
With the score still 1-0, the second half promises an intense battle as Egypt looks to keep its qualification hopes alive.
