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Group G is proving to be one of the most fascinating sections of this summer’s World Cup tournament.

None of the four teams have particularly stood out so far in what has been a fiercely competitive group that also includes Belgium and Iran, who faced each other earlier on Sunday.

This sets up a crucial encounter between New Zealand and Egypt, with both sides having the opportunity to seize control of their qualification hopes with one game remaining and a knockout stage spot on the line.

Egypt were held to a 1-1 draw by Belgium in their opening fixture, while New Zealand twice went ahead against Iran but ultimately had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

The referee appointed for the New Zealand vs Egypt match is Omar Al Ali, who will be officiating his first-ever World Cup fixture.

Omar Al Ali, aged 38 and hailing from the United Arab Emirates, has been part of the international refereeing circuit since 2015. He is a familiar face in the UAE Pro League and the AFC Champions League, and he also served as a back-up official at last summer’s Club World Cup.

Supporting him on the sidelines will be assistant referees Mohamed Al-Hammadi from the UAE and Taleb Al-Marri from Qatar.

Meanwhile, Peru’s Kevin Ortega has been assigned as the fourth official, with compatriot Michael Orue named as the reserve referee.

Overseeing the Video Assistant Referee operations will be another Emirati official, Mohammed Khamid.

Star forward Mo Salah is expected to feature for Egypt as they look to secure a vital win in this pivotal group stage encounter.