New Zealand vs Egypt: prediction & betting odds 22 June 2026

Form and Line-up New Zealand

New Zealand's first opponent at the World Cup was Group G outsider Iran, whom the team failed to beat (2:2). We should say straight away that there is no need to draw serious conclusions after a meeting with such an opponent, because the level of resistance will be much higher from here on, but we did get several important answers.

First, national team leader Chris Wood has not yet reached optimal form after injury. Yes, he provided two assists, but he won only one duel out of seven during the match and lost the ball 10 times. Second, Singh was frankly poor: nine losses of possession and three duels won out of 11. It is obvious that slightly stronger defenders will deal with this duo without breaking sweat.

New Zealand Key Numbers:

• Unbeaten in four matches in a row: three wins and a draw.

• Have scored at least two goals in four consecutive games.

• Lost their only head-to-head meeting in 2024 to Egypt by a 0:1 scoreline.

Probable New Zealand line-up (4-5-1)

Max Crocombe - Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace - Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just - Chris Wood.

Form and Line-up Egypt

Egypt battled with top-level Belgium in the first round (1:1) and were a very pleasant surprise. First, let us talk about Egypt's attack because, oddly enough, the team dominated possession. Of course, it is built around Salah, who may have lost some pace but still scans the pitch perfectly: 88% successful passes in the final third and 75% accuracy with penetrating passes. However, Emam Ashour was the revelation of that match. Aside from his constant runs into the penalty area and his goal, he completely shut down Trossard, winning 8 of 12 duels.

As for the defence, the Egyptians are not shy about abandoning the press and setting up in a low block. Moreover, every Belgian attempt to play the ball into the striker near the opposition penalty area ended with an interception by Fathi (he won 7 of 11 duels). Over the whole match, the defence faltered only once - immediately after Lukaku came on - but for the next 30 minutes it was an impenetrable wall.

Egypt Key Numbers:

• Have scored no more than one goal in four matches in a row.

• Only two wins in their last seven matches.

• Across their entire World Cup history, they have two draws and nine defeats.

Probable Egypt line-up (4-5-1)

Mostafa Shobeir - Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Hamdi Fathi, Ahmed Abou El Fotouh - Marwan Attia, Mohanad Lasheen, Emam Ashour, Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Ziko - Omar Marmoush.

Who will referee the match 

Omar Al Ali (EAU) 

Matches – 7 (International matches, 2025 - 2026);

Average fouls per match – 24;

Average yellow/red cards per match (including second yellows) – 2,4;

Matches with a straight red card – 1 out of 7;

Matches with a penalty – 3 out of 7.