New Zealand will face Egypt in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT). The game will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, marking the first time the All Whites will compete in a World Cup since 2014. Fans can watch the match live across multiple global broadcasters, including ESPN, BBC, and Sky Sports, with streaming options available through platforms like Disney+ and DAZN.
This match is part of the expanded 48-team format for the 2026 tournament, where New Zealand secured their spot after a dramatic playoff victory over Costa Rica in March 2026. The All Whites, led by coach Danny Hay, will look to make an early impact in Group B, which also includes hosts Canada and Morocco.
The kickoff time of 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT) was confirmed by FIFA, ensuring broad coverage across North America, Europe, and Oceania. For fans in New Zealand, the match will begin at 5:00 AM local time on June 14, requiring early starts for those eager to catch the action.
⚽ 🇳🇿 vs. 🇪🇬
June 13, 2026 | 1:00 PM ET
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
#NZLvEGY #WorldCup2026
New Zealand’s World Cup squad is ready for the challenge. Follow @FIFAcom for live updates.
When Does New Zealand Play Egypt in the 2026 World Cup?
New Zealand’s first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled for June 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT). This timing was officially confirmed by FIFA and aligns with the tournament’s expanded schedule, which includes multiple matches per day across different time zones.
For fans in key regions, the kickoff translates to:
- New Zealand (NZST): 5:00 AM on June 14, 2026
- United Kingdom (BST): 6:00 PM on June 13, 2026
- Australia (AEST): 8:00 PM on June 13, 2026
- Egypt (EET): 8:00 PM on June 13, 2026
This match is part of Group B, where New Zealand will also face Canada (June 17) and Morocco (June 21). The All Whites’ performance in this opener will set the tone for their campaign in what will be their first World Cup appearance since 2014.
Where Can You Watch New Zealand vs. Egypt Live?
The match will be broadcast live across multiple platforms, ensuring global accessibility. Here are the confirmed broadcasting channels:
North America
In the United States, the game will air on ESPN and ESPN+, with additional coverage on ESPN2 and ESPNU. Fans can also stream the match via Disney+, which bundles ESPN content.
Europe
European viewers can catch the match on BBC One in the UK, Sky Sports in Ireland, and DAZN across several European countries, including Germany, Italy, and Spain. France Télévisions will also broadcast the game in France.
Oceania
For fans in Australia and New Zealand, the match will be available on Seven Network (Australia) and Sky Sport (New Zealand). Additionally, Kahuna Sports will provide live streaming options for those in the Pacific region.
Latin America
In Latin America, the match will be broadcast by Fox Sports and Star+, ensuring coverage across countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.
Middle East and Africa
Egyptian fans can watch the match locally on Al Ahly TV and OSN Sports, while other African nations will have access through SuperSport and DStv.
For those without traditional TV access, FIFA+ will offer live streaming of the match, available via subscription on most major platforms.
How to Stream New Zealand vs. Egypt Without a TV
If you’re looking to stream the match without a cable subscription, here are the best options:
- FIFA+ ($12.99/month): The official streaming service for the 2026 World Cup, offering live matches, highlights, and exclusive content.
- ESPN+ ($6.99/month): Available in the U.S. and Canada, ESPN+ includes live streaming of all World Cup matches.
- DAZN (varies by region): Popular in Europe, DAZN offers live sports streaming, including the World Cup.
- Kahuna Sports (NZ/AU): A regional streaming service covering major sporting events in Oceania.
- YouTube TV ($72.99/month): Includes ESPN channels for U.S. viewers.
Before tuning in, check your local broadcaster’s schedule for any potential delays or pre-match programming that might affect viewing.
Why This Match Matters for New Zealand
New Zealand’s path to the 2026 World Cup was a rollercoaster, culminating in a dramatic playoff victory over Costa Rica in March 2026. The All Whites, managed by Danny Hay, are under pressure to deliver after a disappointing 2022 campaign where they failed to advance past the group stage.
This match against Egypt is a critical test. The Pharaohs, ranked 30th in the world (as of June 2026), are known for their defensive resilience and set-piece expertise. New Zealand, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on their attacking flair, with players like Chris Wood and Michael Leitch leading the line.
According to FIFA’s 2022 World Cup statistics, New Zealand’s best performance in a World Cup came in 2010, where they reached the round of 16. Replicating that success—or exceeding it—will require a strong start against Egypt.
Key Players to Watch in the New Zealand vs. Egypt Match
Both teams have standout players who could dictate the outcome of the match. Here’s who to keep an eye on:
New Zealand
- Chris Wood (Auckland City): The team’s top scorer, Wood will be crucial in breaking down Egypt’s defense.
- Michael Leitch (Brighton & Hove Albion): A creative midfielder who controls the tempo of the game.
- Wellington Phoenix defenders: The backline, including Ryan Thomas and Elijah Just, will need to stay disciplined against Egypt’s counterattacks.
Egypt
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): The world-class forward will be a constant threat, especially in the air.
- Ahmed Fathy (Al-Ahly): A defensive midfielder known for his tenacity and long-range shooting.
- Trézie Guéhi (Al-Ahly): The captain will lead Egypt’s defense, looking to nullify New Zealand’s attacking threats.
Tactically, Egypt’s coach, Rinky Dijkstra, is likely to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, while Hay may opt for a 4-2-3-1 to balance defense and attack.
What Happens Next for New Zealand in the 2026 World Cup?
After the opener against Egypt, New Zealand’s schedule in Group B is as follows:
- June 17, 2026: New Zealand vs. Canada (1:00 PM ET)
- June 21, 2026: New Zealand vs. Morocco (1:00 PM ET)
If New Zealand tops the group, they will advance to the round of 16, where they could face a tougher opponent like Spain, Portugal, or Argentina. A strong performance against Egypt will be vital for their chances.
For the latest updates on New Zealand’s World Cup preparations, follow New Zealand Football and FIFA’s official World Cup page.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the New Zealand vs. Egypt Match
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the match:
Q: What time does the New Zealand vs. Egypt match kick off?
A: The match kicks off at 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT) on June 13, 2026.
Q: Where is the match being played?
A: The game will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Q: How can I watch the match live?
A: Depending on your region, you can watch on ESPN (U.S.), BBC (UK), Sky Sports (Europe), FIFA+ (global), or local broadcasters.
Q: What channel is the New Zealand vs. Egypt match on in New Zealand?
A: In New Zealand, the match will be broadcast on Sky Sport and streamed via Kahuna Sports.
Q: Who are the key players to watch?
A: For New Zealand, watch Chris Wood and Michael Leitch. For Egypt, keep an eye on Mohamed Salah and Ahmed Fathy.
Q: What are New Zealand’s chances of winning?
A: While Egypt is a strong team, New Zealand has shown resilience in recent qualifiers. Their chances depend on strong defensive organization and clinical finishing from Wood and co.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss New Zealand’s World Cup Debut
The New Zealand vs. Egypt match is more than just a World Cup opener—it’s a statement of intent for the All Whites as they aim to build on their playoff heroics. With global broadcasting options and streaming available, fans worldwide can tune in to witness history in the making.
For the latest updates, follow World Today Journal and FIFA’s official World Cup coverage. Share your predictions and excitement in the comments below!