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Matthews travelled from Wellington, New Zealand, for the match and was thrilled to be able to support his home nation at his first ever in-person World Cup game, noting it's only the third time the country has participated in the tournament. 

The sound grew loud when Egyptian fans hit 115 decibels just before the 6 p.m. kickoff, according to the big screen, while New Zealand fans struck 97 decibels. 

But the Kiwi supporters were loudest as they took a 1-0 lead after Finn Surman headed in a goal from a corner kick from Tim Payne in the 15th minute of play.

Much is at stake for both teams, as New Zealand, Egypt, Belgium and Iran all sit on one point in Group G after a pair of draws.

Egypt fans have been visible in Vancouver since Friday, with many showing appreciation for their team in online videos showing large crowds gathered at a Vancouver hotel to meet the players, including superstar Mohamed Salah.

When his name was announced as being on the starting lineup about 20 minutes before kickoff, the stadium erupted.

Egypt native Nayef Mahgoub says it was on his bucket list to see Salah play in person, so he travelled from Fort McMurray, Alta., to attend Sunday's match. 

"He's my favourite player," Mahgoub says. "He's one of the reasons why we are here."

The 61-year-old, who notes he immigrated to Canada about 30 years ago, says it's his first World Cup match and he's elated to experience it alongside his 33-year-old son. 

"It's good that it came to our backyard here. It was an opportunity that I would never miss," he says. 

Hayden Burford, a member of New Zealand supporters group The Flying Kiwis, says it's an exciting time for his team.

"Let's get together and just celebrate being Kiwis and celebrate being in a World Cup," Burford says.

Hundreds of fans met in Vancouver's Gastown neighbourhood about two hours before kickoff to begin marching toward to the stadium. Fans, many draped in New Zealand flags, set off white smoke cannisters and flaunted flags and banners that read "Flying Kiwis," while chanting "we will win."

Kaelin Nguyen was among them. He says he isn't disconcerted by his team being lowest in the FIFA World rankings, deeming it a badge of honour to be considered the underdog.

"We normally are in most sports, except for rugby. It adds a bit more excitement," he says. "I think we could get a point or three today, so we're hopeful."

Elheniedy, who organized the Egypt supporters march in Seattle, says he has bought bags of matching red outfits and Egyptian flags for fans in Vancouver. 

"We are very confident, and inshallah, we will win," said Elheniedy. 

Three hours before kickoff, FIFA's ticketing portal showed no tickets available for the match, while the resale site had more than 350 tickets listed, with prices starting at $603.80.

The next match at BC Place will be on Wednesday. It will see Team Canada, who pulled off a historic 6-0 win over Qatar on Thursday, face Switzerland.

This report by ºÃÉ«tvwas first published June 21, 2026.