Salah sinks All Whites, Belgium draw keeps Group G alive

Egypt 3–1 New Zealand, Salah does the damage

Your first World Cup match in 16 years ended in a 3–1 defeat to Egypt. Mohamed Salah scored and Egypt claimed their first-ever World Cup win (1) (2). The All Whites came into this chasing that elusive first victory in the tournament, and after three draws in 2010, the wait continues.

Belgium stumble, your path opens a crack

Belgium 0–0 Iran in the other Group G match. Belgium could not break them down and now face your team on 27 June needing a result (5) (6). A Belgian side under pressure, a New Zealand side with nothing to lose, that is a match this group did not expect to matter quite like this.

Fan reactions

New Zealand fans online are keeping it measured. The loss to Egypt stings, but the Belgium draw has reframed the group. Plenty of talk about the 27 June match now looking like more than a formality. One thread called it "the biggest game in our history" and the mood is shifting from pride at being here to belief that something is still on the table. Read the full discussion on the NZ Football subreddit.