New Zealand, Egypt hunt elusive first World Cup win in key Group G clash

New Zealand and Egypt are set to clash on Sunday in a pivotal Group G match at the 2026 World Cup, with both nations desperately seeking their first-ever tournament victory. Both teams drew their opening games, leaving the group standings incredibly tight and intensifying the pressure to secure a win.

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When you're leading twice in a game you come away with that 'what if?'. We were probably as close as we've ever been to ‌winning a ⁠game at the World Cup, and we couldn't quite do that today.

New Zealand, managed by Darren Bazeley, came close to a historic win against Iran, being pegged back twice in a stalemate. "When you're leading twice in a game you come away with that 'what if?'," Bazeley said after the match. The team drew all three of their games in their last World Cup appearance in 2010 and will be looking to their giant striker Chris Wood to provide the physicality needed against Egypt.

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The whole world is waiting to see the face of Egypt as a respected team, with all of the players, with Salah as well. But we don't want to rely on one single star. We want to rely on the group and work within that framework of a project.

Egypt, meanwhile, boasts a strong defensive record, having conceded only two goals in their 10-game qualifying campaign, and held Belgium to a 1-1 draw in their opener. While Mohamed Salah is expected to be a key player, coach Hossam Hassan is focused on building a collective team effort. "The whole world is waiting to see the face of Egypt as a respected team, with all of the players, with Salah as well. But we don't want to rely on one single star. We want to rely on the group and work within that framework of a project," Hassan stated before the tournament. Hassan is keen to establish a new national identity for his squad, emphasizing a shift in mindset and confidence. A victory over New Zealand would significantly boost their chances of reaching the World Cup knockout stage, aligning with his vision of building a team for the future.

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I told them (the Egyptian people) that we have to have a new ⁠national identity ​for our national squad ... we try to work on the mindset ​of the players, prepare our players and try to build their confidence that they are a strong team.