World Cup 2026: New Zealand and Egypt rely on 4-2-3-1 for Vancouver clash

Both teams have opted for a 4-2-3-1 tactical setup, a strategy that should provide balance between defense and attack. New Zealand will notably rely on Chris Wood up front, while Egypt are counting on Mohamed Salah’s creativity and experience in their attacking trio.

The main components of these two starting XIs feature key players capable of influencing the result. For New Zealand, goalkeeper Max Crocombe protects the goal, while the defense includes Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Michael Boxall and Liberato Cacace among others.

On the Egyptian side, coach Hossam Hassan starts Mostafa Shobeir in goal and a defensive line made up of Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Hamdy Fathy and Ahmed Fatouh. The midfield and attack make use of the talent of Marwan Attia, Mohanad Lasheen, and especially Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush as they look to trouble the New Zealand defense.

A look at New Zealand’s XI

New Zealand will line up in a 4-2-3-1 with starting goalkeeper Max Crocombe. The defense consists of full-backs Tim Payne and Liberato Cacace, flanking centre-backs Finn Surman and Michael Boxall. In midfield, Joe Bell and Marko Stamenić form a double pivot tasked with winning the ball back and building play. The attacking trio behind striker Chris Wood is made up of Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh and Elijah Just, bringing pace and creativity to the attack.

This system allows New Zealand to try to control the tempo of the match while relying on their captain Chris Wood, an experienced player who can make his presence felt in the opposition penalty area. The presence of mobile attacking players such as McCowatt and Just suggests an intention to play forward and exploit the wings.

A look at Egypt’s XI

Hossam Hassan’s Egypt have also opted for a balanced 4-2-3-1. Mostafa Shobeir starts in goal, while the defense relies on Mohamed Hany and Ahmed Fatouh as full-backs, with Hamdy Fathy and Yasser Ibrahim in central defense. In midfield, Marwan Attia and Mohanad Lasheen will handle ball-winning and distribution duties.

The attacking sector is built around Mohamed Salah, the creative force in the attacking trio alongside Mostafa Ziko and Emam Ashour. Lone centre-forward Omar Marmoush is therefore supported by players capable of creating openings. This setup reflects the importance placed on technical control and attacking movement through Salah, who remains Egypt’s most dangerous player at this World Cup.