Egypt's national football team will be on a do-or-die mission to secure victory against New Zealand when they meet early on Monday as they seek a different World Cup record this edition.
The Pharaohs will meet the All Whites in the second round of the prestigious tournament's group stage.
Egypt, the seven-time African champions, opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Belgium, while New Zealand began their journey with a 2-2 draw against Iran last Monday.
Egypt are in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.
Winning Monday’s game against New Zealand would be a special achievement for the Egyptian team, as it would boost their chances of qualifying for the next round and mark the country's first-ever victory at the prestigious tournament.
Egypt failed to secure a single win in their previous three appearances in 1934, 199,0 and 2018, suffering an early exit after the first round each time.
Egypt, ranked 29th in the latest FIFA rankings, hold the upper hand in their head-to-head history against New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team at the tournament (85th), with the two sides having met on three previous occasions, all of which were friendly matches.
Their first two encounters took place in 1999, with the first ending in a 1-1 draw before the Pharaohs secured a 1-0 victory in the second.
The third meeting, which also saw Egypt emerge victorious with a 1-0 win, holds special significance for Egypt coach Hossam Hassan. The match, held in Egypt in March 2024, marked the official debut of the national team's technical staff under Hassan's leadership.
A difficult and physical test
In the pre-match press conference on Sunday, Hassan described the New Zealand game as a "pivotal point" in the tournament, warning his side not to underestimate an opponent he said plays with a distinctly European style.
"I told the players we have not achieved anything yet after the draw with Belgium. I am only thinking about New Zealand now. We have closed the Belgium chapter to focus on the next match," the former Egypt striker said.
"We have watched New Zealand and know they have more than one professional playing in Europe. Their style leans towards the English, Scottish and Irish game, and we know how difficult and physical this match will be," he added.
Hassan is expected to adopt a more aggressive attacking approach against New Zealand, moving away from the balanced tactical plan he deployed against Belgium.
The coach will rely heavily on the formidable duo of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush up front, with the possible addition of Ahly's Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' Hassan to the starting lineup after he was benched in the previous game.
Barcelona's young striker Hamza AbdelKarim could also have a bigger role this time after replacing Salah in the final 15 minutes of the opening group-stage match.
Egypt’s squad also features standout midfielder Emam Ashour, who claimed the Man of the Match award against Belgium after scoring with a spectacular long-range strike.
Same ambitions
On the other side, New Zealand, known for their physicality and quick pace, share the same ambitions as Egypt.
A victory would mean a lot for them, as it would enhance their chances of reaching the next round for the first time in their history and would also secure their first-ever World Cup win.
New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley appeared determined to secure his side’s maiden World Cup victory, insisting that he is not intimidated by Egypt's strength while showing respect for their opponents.
"Some people might be surprised to see us at the top of the group but that now makes this a big game. We respect Egypt but we are not scared [going into the match]. All teams are on one point and we want to get three and make sure we get out of the group," he told FIFA.com on Saturday.
"We know what a win would mean for both nations. That would move us to four points, which should be enough to go through [to the Round of 32]. To be the first team from New Zealand to win a World Cup match would be huge and it is something that we’re really motivated by," he added.
Containing Egypt's world-class players, such as Salah and Marmoush, will be crucial for New Zealand, with Bazeley stressing that his side are ready for the challenge.
"With Egypt, we know that they have several world-class players, big stars who want to perform, and that we need to contain them. We know too what they have done in the past.
"It’s a challenge, but one that we’re really looking forward to. If we want to win at the World Cup, we have to play and perform against top teams and top players," he concluded.
Bazeley will not rely solely on veteran striker Chris Wood, the Nottingham Forest forward who boasts 45 international goals. The attack will also look to young forward Elijah Just, who stole the spotlight in the opening match by scoring a brace against Iran.
Egypt will conclude their group-stage campaign against Iran on 27 June in Seattle, while New Zealand will face Belgium on the same day.
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