World Cup Group G: New Zealand miss out on historic first World Cup win, Egypt pegged back by Belgium

Hany own goal rescues sluggish Belgium against Egypt

Despite a battling performance, Egypt were denied their first-ever World Cup victory as an unfortunate second-half own goal gifted Belgium a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the energy-sapping 30-degree heat of Seattle.

Belgium had the first notable chance when Kevin De Bruyne fired just wide, but it was Egypt who broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Mohamed Salah slipped a simple pass to Emam Ashour, who let fly from distance with a powerful right-footed shot that left Thibaut Courtois grasping at thin air.

The Pharaohs continued to threaten after the interval, with Courtois parrying a free header from Salah, while De Bruyne struck the woodwork with a direct free-kick at the other end. Egypt looked dangerous on the counterattack through Omar Marmoush, but a crucial last-ditch challenge from defender Nathan Ngoy snuffed out the danger.

Belgium finally found their lifeline in the 66th minute through the introduction of Romelu Lukaku. Within seconds of coming on, the striker caused chaos in the penalty box, and in a desperate attempt to clear the ball, Egypt defender Mohamed Hany could only redirect it into his own net. Belgium pushed for a late winner, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a spectacular, flying save to deny Brandon Mechele and ensure a share of the spoils.

Iran fight back twice to deny historic New Zealand win

Iran twice came from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in a thrilling Group G clash in Los Angeles, leaving the tournament’s lowest-ranked nation still searching for their first-ever World Cup victory.

The unfancied All Whites got off to a stunning start by taking the lead inside seven minutes. Chris Wood brilliantly controlled a long ball, laying it off to Sarpreet Singh, who found Elijah Just. Following a quick one-two back with Wood, the Motherwell forward flicked the ball up and smashed home an unstoppable volley from just inside the box.

Iran spearhead Mehdi Taremi hit the post midway through the half, but Team Melli finally equalised in the 32nd minute. After Shahriyar Moghanlou’s initial strike was blocked, Ramin Rezaeian reacted quickest to poke home the loose ball. Ali Nemati thought he had completed the turnaround in first-half stoppage time, but his headed effort was ruled out for offside.

Iran dominated early in the second period, but New Zealand soaked up the pressure and restored their lead against the run of play in the 54th minute. Just drove toward the penalty area, played another neat one-two with Wood, and clinically fired past Alireza Beiranvand for his second of the match.

However, the Kiwi defence was caught sleeping just ten minutes later. An unmarked Mohammad Mohebi met a precise cross from Rezaeian and powered his header home to level the scores once more. Despite late pressure from both sides, the points were shared ahead of New Zealand’s clash with Egypt and Iran’s meeting with Belgium.

Cover Photo: FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw Reception” by UKinUSA is licensed under CC BY SA 4.0 .