A shot at history: New Zealand vs Egypt

In 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G, New Zealand and Egypt meet on Sunday night at BC Place in Vancouver. Both sides, who drew their opening matches, are chasing a first-ever World Cup victory for their nation.

Seen as Group G's weakest team before the tournament, New Zealand impressed far more than expected in their opener against Iran. Twice ahead through an Elijah Just brace, the All Whites could not protect their lead and settled for a 2-2 draw. Egypt, meanwhile, went toe-to-toe with Belgium in Seattle, outplaying the strong European side for long stretches before earning a 1-1 draw. Returning with a positive result from what was, on paper, their toughest test in the group, the North Africans are in good spirits.

With every team in Group G level on a point, a win on Sunday will all but guarantee the victor a place in the last 32. According to SI.com, despite New Zealand's promising opener, Egypt are a cut above; even before the tournament, this was seen as the most winnable game for Hossam Hassan's side. If Egypt repeat the performance in which they dominated Belgium for long spells, they could deliver a historic result.

A point SI.com highlights is New Zealand's defensive fragility: the All Whites have now failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 consecutive matches. They now face elite attackers in Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, plus Emam Ashour, the best player on show against Belgium. The two nations' only previous meeting was a 2024 friendly, which Egypt won.

For New Zealand, Darren Bazeley is not expected to change the side that faced Iran, especially in attack. Although he did not score, Chris Wood produced one of the tournament's best centre-forward displays, his hold-up play setting up both of Just's goals. For Egypt, with no fresh injury or suspension concerns, Hossam Hassan is expected to field the same XI that led for 40 minutes against Belgium. Should Salah be unable to last a full 90 minutes, Barça Atlètic's young gem Hamza Abdelkarim stands out as an option.

SI.com predict 2-1 to Egypt.

Predicted XIs
New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenić; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood
Egypt (4-2-3-1): Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Fathi, Fotouh; Lasheen, Attia; Salah, Ashour, Ziko; Marmoush

Source: Sports Illustrated
Image: Sports Illustrated