How the All Whites’ players rated in their World Cup loss to Egypt
Monday, 22 June 2026
ANALYSIS: The All Whites will have a legitimate claim that their World Cup defeat to Egypt was tarred by a poor piece of refereeing.
Ben Old appeared to be both fouled and injured with the score at 1-1 in the second half in Vancouver, but Omar Al-Ali allowed play to continue and Egypt took advantage to take the lead on the way to a 3-1 victory.
That meant New Zealand will need to beat Belgium in their final Group D match to have a chance of making the knockout stage, but there were plenty of signs once more that Darren Bazeley’s charges will once more be highly competitive on the biggest stage.
Here’s how the All Whites rated:
Max Crocombe: Couldn’t have done much more to stop any of the goals, was more positive coming for the ball and with it at his feet, and some of his long balls were excellent. 6
Tim Payne: Much better than against Iran - comfortable on the ball, sought to go forward and provided a spot-on corner for the opening goal. 7
Finn Surman: Wrestled his way free to thump in his goal, and made a string of trademark blocks and tackles. Looked an obvious Player of the Match until he got drawn away by a cross, to conceded an equaliser for the second successive game. 8
Michael Boxall: A strong and composed display, winning most of his headers and tackles while refusing to dive in, and fared well in one-on-ones against Mo Salah. 7
Liberato Cacace: Like his fellow wing-back, an improved display from last week’s draw. Got forward effectively too but may also have been guilty once more of not getting tight enough to his opposing winger. 6
Joe Bell: Hugely reliable in the centre of midfield, always looking to receive a pass and keep things ticking, while also breaking up Egypt’s forays. 7
Marko Stamenic: Was a very strong disruptor of Egypt’s attempted progress in the first half, but didn’t have the same influence when the favoured side upped the tempo. 6
Callum McCowatt: Busy and sought to create, came close twice to putting NZ 2-0 up, only to be denied by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. Was one of five players to be substituted in the second half. 7
Sarpreet Singh: Also looked to make things happen with the ball when New Zealand were matching Egypt in the first 45 minutes. 5
Chris Wood: Was an absolute handful throughout for Egypt’s central defenders, constantly attempting and often succeeding in giving his team-mates an outlet and set up chances. 8
Eli Just: Couldn’t match his two-goal haul versus Iran, but again showed a lovely touch and shifts of direction and came close to having a bigger impact. 7
Substitutes: Ben Old was at the centre of the game’s controversial moment, while defender Tyler Bindon threatened up front as NZ chased the game.