Salah and Egypt light up Vancouver in World Cup opener

Egypt take Vancouver, Salah runs the show

Egypt 3–1 New Zealand in the World Cup opener at BC Place on Monday, and Mohamed Salah was the story (1) (2). Egyptian fans took over downtown Vancouver afterwards, giant speakers, mosh pits outside the stadium, Salah carried through the crowd on shoulders (1).

Your co-host city got the full World Cup experience.

Belgium's goal drought hits 406 minutes

Belgium have not scored at a World Cup since Michy Batshuayi found the net against Canada on 23 November 2022 (3). That is 406 minutes of tournament football without a goal, a streak that now spans three matches and counting.

"We have to score against New Zealand, right," one player said (3). Lukaku has been firing blanks, and the pressure before their next group game is real.

Salah in your backyard

The Egypt party on Canadian soil was a reminder of what this tournament looks like when it catches fire. Salah delivered. The crowd delivered. Vancouver delivered.