2026 World Cup: New Zealand vs. Egypt, Probable Lineups
After drawing with Iran and Belgium on the first day, New Zealand and Egypt will face off late Sunday night into Monday morning (Italian time) for a chance to celebrate their first-ever World Cup victory—a feat neither the All Whites nor the Pharaohs have yet achieved. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at BC Place in Vancouver, which will be 3 a.m. in Italy. The match will be officiated by Omar Al Ali from the United Arab Emirates.
New Zealand squandered a one-goal lead twice in their 2026 World Cup opener against Iran: Elijah Just’s goals in the 7th and 54th minutes were, however, first equalized by Rezaeian in the 32nd minute and then, definitively, by Mohebi in the 64th minute. For the team coached by Englishman Darren Bazeley, the match against Egypt is a true test of their mettle, after which it will become clear whether Oceania’s sole representative (Australia has been part of the Asian Confederation since 2006) can continue to dream of advancing to the round of 16.
Egypt, for its part, put in a strong performance against Belgium, taking the lead in the 20th minute through Emam Ashour; however, an own goal by Hany—who was trying to beat Lukaku to the ball—dashed the North Africans’ hopes. Between 1934, 1990, and 2018 have yet to win a match, despite the presence—both in Russia eight years ago and at this World Cup—of an absolute superstar like Mohamed Salah.
Probable Lineups
NEW ZEALAND (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenić; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood. Head Coach: Bazeley.
EGYPT (4-2-3-1): Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Fathi, Fotouh; Lasheen, Attia; Salah, Ashour, Ziko; Marmoush. Head Coach: Hassan.
