FIFA WC 2026: Egyptian President El-Sisi congratulates national team on historic first-ever World Cup win
New Delhi, June 22
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Monday congratulated the national football team after the Pharaohs secured their historic first-ever victory in the FIFA World Cup since making their debut 92 years and 25 days ago.
Goals from Mostafa Zico, Mohamed Salah and Trezeguet powered Egypt to come from behind and beat New Zealand 3-1 in the Group G match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Taking to social media platform X, President El-Sisi lauded the team's exceptional display of grit and national character on the global stage.
"I congratulate the Egyptian national team and the fans of our great people on achieving the first victory in the history of Egypt's participations in the World Cup competitions, with a performance that honours and embodies the determination, will, and resolve with which the sons of the homeland are endowed.
"This well-deserved victory represents a promising beginning for continuing the journey with confidence and ambition and raising Egypt's name high in international forums," Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi posted on X.
New Zealand started aggressively at BC Place, Vancouver, as Finn Surman gave the All Whites a deserved lead with a bullet of a header from a corner in the 15th minute. Salah and Emam Ashour both went close before half time as Egypt went in search of an equaliser, and Salah was denied again by Max Crocombe in the first minute of the second period.
Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir prevented New Zealand from doubling their lead shortly afterwards with a terrific save from Callum McCowatt's flicked header, and Zico then pulled Hossam Hassan's side back into the game with a free header in the 58th minute.
Nine minutes later Salah struck the decisive blow, guiding a crisp low finish into the net after a fine team move to spark wild celebrations for his side, and Trezeguet added the gloss with Egypt's third with eight minutes remaining.
With this win, they go to the top of Group G, two points ahead of Iran and Belgium, while the New Zealand team is at the bottom of the standings with one point.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Egypt deserves this! From being down 1-0 to winning 3-1 — that's pure determination. Salah's goal was world class. Meanwhile, India is still waiting for our World Cup debut. We need to learn from Egypt's football development model. 🏆💪
Great to see African football making strides! Egypt's first World Cup win after 92 years is an incredible story. New Zealand played well but Egypt's experience showed. As someone who follows football globally, this is what the beautiful game is all about — history in the making.
Incredible comeback by Egypt! 🇪🇬🔥 President El-Sisi's message is spot on — this win embodies determination and national pride. India should take notes: grassroots football development and consistent support from the government can yield results. Maybe ISL is a start, but we need more! ⚽🇮🇳
Happy for Egypt but honestly, New Zealand should have held on. They dominated early but couldn't finish. Football in Asia and Africa is improving fast — India needs to step up if we want to compete at this level. A win like this gives hope to smaller football nations! 🌟
First World Cup win in 92 years — that's patience and perseverance! Egypt's comeback shows why football is called the beautiful game. Salah's goal was clinical. India should look at how Egypt built their football culture despite challenges. Well done, Pharaohs! 👏
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