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Rabat – Egypt face New Zealand tonight at BC Place in Vancouver in their second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Both teams began the tournament with encouraging draws. Egypt held European giants Belgium to a 1-1 result, while New Zealand twice took the lead before drawing 2–2 with Iran.
Belgium and Iran now have two points after drawing their second match, while Egypt and New Zealand each have one. A victory tonight would therefore send either side to the top of Group G and place them close to qualifying for the round of 32.
Match Details:
Fixture: New Zealand vs Egypt
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group G, Matchday 2
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver
Date: Monday, June 22, Morocco time
Kick-off: 2:00 a.m. Morocco time / 1:00 a.m. GMT
How to watch: beIN Sports in MENA; FS1 and Telemundo in the USA; TVNZ in New Zealand
Egypt Team News
Injuries/Suspensions: Egypt came through their opening match without any major new injuries, giving head coach Hossam Hassan a nearly full squad to choose from.
Mohamed Salah recently returned from a muscle problem but completed the opening match against Belgium. No suspension concerns have been reported.
Recent Form: Egypt produced a disciplined and confident performance against Belgium. Emam Ashour gave the Pharaohs the lead after receiving the ball from Salah, but Belgium equalized later to deny Egypt their first World Cup victory.
Egypt defended well and created enough opportunities to win. Their challenge against New Zealand will be different because they are expected to control more possession and take greater attacking responsibility.
Key Players: Salah remains Egypt’s main threat, but Hassan wants his team to avoid relying entirely on the captain. Omar Marmoush can attack spaces with his pace, while Ashour’s forward runs give Egypt another scoring option.
Marwan Attia and Mohanad Lasheen will be important in midfield, especially when dealing with New Zealand’s physical and direct approach.
Likely XI: Shobeir; Mohamed Hany, Ibrahim, Hamdy Fathy, Ahmed Fatouh; Marwan Attia, Lasheen; Salah, Emam Ashour, Ziko; Marmoush.
New Zealand Team News
Injuries/Suspensions: Matthew Garbett has been ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury and replaced by Logan Rogerson. New Zealand have reported no other major fitness concerns.
Recent Form: The All Whites came close to making history against Iran. Elijah Just scored twice, but New Zealand surrendered the lead on both occasions and had to settle for a 2–2 draw.
They remain without a World Cup victory, but their performance showed they can create problems through direct attacks and physical play.
Key Players: Chris Wood remains New Zealand’s most dangerous player. Although he did not score against Iran, the experienced striker provided two assists.
Elijah Just will also be full of confidence after his opening-game brace, while Liberato Cacace and Marko Stamenić provide energy and quality.
Likely XI: Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenić; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood.
What to Expect
Egypt are favorites because of their individual quality and defensive organization. They should control possession and look to create chances through Salah, Marmoush, and Ashour.
New Zealand will defend compactly and use Wood as a target for long passes, crosses, and set pieces. Egypt must avoid giving away unnecessary free kicks around their penalty area.
The first goal could decide the match. Egypt need patience against a physical opponent, while New Zealand will believe they can punish any defensive mistake.
Safe Bets
Egypt to Win: The Pharaohs have greater attacking quality and more players capable of deciding the match.
Under 3.5 Goals: Both teams may remain cautious because of the importance of the result.
Mohamed Salah to Score or Assist: Egypt’s captain remains central to their attacking play.
Prediction: Egypt 2–1 New Zealand.
