New Zealand vs Egypt — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 2
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026New Zealand face Egypt in Group G in a finely balanced meeting between Oceania's standard-bearers and an Egyptian side led by Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah.
Darren Bazeley's New Zealand are physical, well-organised and dangerous from set pieces, with veteran striker Chris Wood the focal point of their attack. Hossam Hassan's Egypt revolve around Salah's brilliance, supported by the goal threat of Omar Marmoush and the creativity of Trezeguet.
Egypt carry the greater individual quality and will expect to control the game, but New Zealand's resilience and aerial presence through Wood make them a stubborn opponent.
Key storylines
- 01Mohamed Salah leading Egypt's hopes against a resilient New Zealand.
- 02Chris Wood's aerial threat as the All Whites' attacking focal point.
- 03Omar Marmoush adding extra firepower alongside Salah.
Prediction
New Zealand 0-2 Egypt
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
New Zealand
Formation 3-5-2- 1M. Woud
- 2Tyler Bindon
- 3M. Boxall
- 4N. Pijnaker
- 5T. Payne
- 6M. Stamenic
- 7M. Garbett
- 8A. Rufer
- 9L. Cacace
- 10C. Wood
- 11B. Waine
Egypt
Formation 4-2-3-1- 1Mohamed El Shenawy
- 2Mohamed Hany
- 3Mohamed Abdelmonem
- 4Rami Rabia
- 5Ahmed Fatouh
- 6Hamdi Fathy
- 7Emam Ashour
- 8Trezeguet
- 9Omar Marmoush
- 10Mohamed Salah
- 11H. Hassan
Team news
New Zealand
- Chris Wood remains New Zealand's primary goal threat.
- All Whites dangerous from set pieces.
Egypt
- Mohamed Salah is Egypt's talisman and main creator.
- Omar Marmoush offers an additional attacking outlet.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
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