Egyptian and New Zealand fans prepare for Vancouver’s third World Cup match

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.

It will be the third match at BC Place Stadium after Thursday’s historic 6-0 win by Team Canada over Qatar.

Hany Elheniedy, president of the Egyptian Canadian Society of BC, says he expects 15,000 Egyptian fans in BC Place after supporters came out in force in nearby Seattle, Wash., last Monday.

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.

“It’s only the third time New Zealand’s ever participated, so it’s very exciting for us.”

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.

The next match in Vancouver sees Team Canada face Switzerland on Wednesday, before knockout matches on July 2 and 7.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 21, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Egyptian and New Zealand fans prepare for Vancouver’s third World Cup match

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