World Cup 2026: Egypt vs New Zealand Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Egypt meet New Zealand at BC Place in Vancouver on Monday, kickoff 03:00 CAT, with both sides searching for a first ever World Cup victory after opening the tournament with draws. Egypt held Belgium to a 1-1 stalemate behind a Mohamed Salah assisted goal to Ashour, while New Zealand twice led Iran before being forced to settle for 2-2. With all four Group G teams level on a single point, this is a must win for both teams. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Egypt

Egypt are clear favourites here and I expect them to take the initiative through Salah on the right and Omar Marmoush leading the line, with Emam Ashour pulling the strings after his fine strike against Belgium. They created a glut of chances in their opener and only an own goal denied them the win, so the attacking platform is there. The one caution is at the back: Ahmed Fattoh is one booking away from a suspension after his yellow against Belgium, which may temper how aggressively he overlaps from left back. With the group so tight, a win lifts them into a commanding position to reach the knockout rounds.

Predicted Lineup: Shobeir; Hany, Fathy, Ibrahim, Fattoh; Lasheen, Attia; Salah, Ashour, Ziko; Marmoush.

New Zealand

New Zealand showed real attacking intent against Iran, with Elijah Just becoming the first All White to score twice in a World Cup match and Chris Wood providing the focal point up front. From my point of view they will likely sit deeper here and look to hit Egypt on the break through Just and Wood, knowing they were exposed defensively a couple of times in their opener. Darren Bazeley has no confirmed injuries or suspensions, so I expect the same spine of Boxall and Surman in front of Crocombe. As the lowest ranked side in the group they need a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive heading into their final Group Stage game.

Predicted Lineup: Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood.

I think Egypt have far too much quality in Salah, Marmoush and Ashour for New Zealand’s defence, and with both teams nervy in front of goal after failing to convert leads, I expect a controlled rather than open contest. New Zealand will defend deep and Egypt may have to be patient, but I back them to find the breakthrough and see it out. My forecast: Egypt 2 New Zealand 0.

BTTS: No (1.64)

With Egypt likely to dominate possession and territory against the group's lowest ranked side, I expect New Zealand to be limited to very little going forward. The Pharaohs carved Belgium open repeatedly in their opener and only wasteful finishing kept the score down, so I am backing BTTS: No at 1.64. It pairs neatly with my forecast of a controlled Egypt win to nil.