Belgium and Egypt Share Points in World Cup Opener
In a thrilling match at Seattle Stadium, Belgium managed to avoid an embarrassing start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by earning a 1-1 draw against Egypt on Monday. Striker Romelu Lukaku made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, leading to an own goal from Mohamed Hany that equalized the game, just 28 seconds after he entered the pitch.
In the first half, Egypt took the lead with a goal from Emam Ashour. The young player scored his first international goal in the 19th minute, thanks to a clever pass from Mohamed Salah. Egypt’s tactics proved effective, showcasing a solid defense and a sharp attack that kept Belgium on the back foot for much of the match.
Despite having a well-known star lineup, Belgium struggled to connect and create clear chances. They struggled throughout the first half, failing to get a single shot on target. Meanwhile, Egypt was able to frustrate Belgium’s offensive efforts, particularly restricting star player Kevin De Bruyne’s influence.
After halftime, Belgium improved but still had difficulty turning their pressure into goals. Key saves from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois kept them in the game as he thwarted attempts from Mostafa Zico and Salah. The introduction of Lukaku, however, turned the tide. His presence in the box created chaos, leading Hany to accidentally score an own goal under pressure.
The equalizer boosted Belgium’s morale, but despite pushing for a winner in the closing minutes, Egypt held on for a well-deserved point. This draw leaves Belgium with work to do, raising concerns about their creativity and urgency during the game.
On the other hand, Egypt can take a lot of confidence from this performance. They proved they are capable of competing against strong teams, even if they didn’t secure a win. With their next match against New Zealand, they look to build on this positive display, while Belgium gears up to face Iran in their following group fixture on June 21.
