Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Mohamed Salah scored and provided an assist as Egypt recorded their first-ever win at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 3-1 comeback win over New Zealand in Vancouver on Monday morning.
In the Group G fixture, New Zealand took the lead in the 15th minute when Finn Surman scored with a header from a corner kick delivered by Tim Payne.
Salah had the opportunity to equalize in the 35th minute, but his shot off Omar Marmoush’s free kick hit the side netting.
Although the Kiwis ended the first half 1-0 in their favor, Egypt equalized in the 58th minute when Mostafa Zico’s powerful header found the back of the net.
Zico then provided a beautiful assist for Salah in the 67th minute. Salah connected to Zico’s backheel pass to go level with Egypt coach Hossam Hassan as Egypt’s all-time top scorer.
Salah then provided an assist to Trezeguet, whose diving header wrapped up Egypt’s win.
Egypt, who played a 1-1 draw with Belgium in their first match, need only a draw against Iran in their last group-stage match to progress to the Round of 32.
Earlier, Cape Verde held Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in a Group H fixture in Miami. Kevin Pina scored for Cape Verde in the 21st minute, while Maxi Araujo equalized for Uruguay in the 44th minute. Agustin Canobbio gave Uruguay a 2-1 lead in first-half injury time; however, Helio Varela equalized for Cape Verde in the 61st minute.
Likewise, Iran played a goalless draw with Belgium. Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand made as many as seven saves to keep Belgium at bay in the Group G fixture in California. Belgium played a 1-1 draw against Egypt in their first group stage match.
Similarly, in the first match of Matchday 11, Spain thrashed Saudi Arabia 4-0 in the Group H fixture in Atlanta on late Sunday evening. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring for Spain in the 10th minute. Mikel Oyarzbal scored in the 21st to double the lead and took the match away from Saudi Arabia with his second and Spain’s third goal in the 24th minute. An own goal by Hassan Al-Tambakti took the scoreline to 4-0.
