Last update at 22 June, 2026 ⏲️ Reading time: 1 minute
FIFA World Cup 2026 @ 22.06.2026
At first glance, this might seem like a rather inconsequential match, lacking much in the way of excitement, but the reality is quite different. This is a clash between two teams who both drew on the opening day, leaving a very positive impression. The ‘All Whites’ drew with Iran in a thrilling, fast-paced match that ended 2–2. The Egyptians, for their part, drew 1–1 with Belgium in a clash in which the Africans outplayed the Europeans for long stretches of the match. In a group where all four nations are level on one point, winning this match would not only secure a place in the round of 16 but also put them in serious contention for top spot in the group – with all that this would mean for two nations unaccustomed to such achievements at a World Cup. New Zealand have a fairly compact side capable of holding their own against stronger teams; however, if the opposition field two players of the calibre of Omar Marmoush and Mo Salah, the challenge is immense. I believe Egypt’s greater experience, craftsmanship and quality will ultimately prevail, and that Mo Salah will find the net against the Oceanic side.
