Belgium, Egypt Draw 1-1
Belgium Rallies with Lukaku's Impact to Secure 1-1 Draw Against Egypt in World Cup Opener
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Key Points
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AP reported Emam Ashour’s opener came in the 19th minute and was his first international goal, scored after a defensive breakdown gave Egypt only their second World Cup lead (Ashour was playing his 30th match for Egypt).
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Egypt had multiple chances to extend the lead beyond Ashour’s goal: a Mostafa Zico strike was tipped behind by Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Mohamed Salah had a second-half header well-saved, and Ashour missed a rebound after his earlier goal.
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Lukaku’s introduction is tied to Belgium coach Rudi Garcia in one report, and his impact was described alongside fitness context: Lukaku was brought on at 66 minutes and was previously limited by hamstring injuries to just 40 minutes in Serie A for Napoli during the 2025-26 season.
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One outlet said the equalizer prompted officiating debate, claiming the free-kick leading to Belgium’s goal was taken “significantly ahead of the correct spot,” though the referee allowed play to continue; Egypt forward Hamza Abdelkarim also said the team must treat every match as a “must-win,” targeting three points.
Belgium and Egypt shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Seattle's Lumen Field on June 15, in the Group G opener at the 2026 World Cup. Emam Ashour gave Egypt an early lead, but an own goal by Mohamed Hany — forced by Romelu Lukaku just seconds after he came on — denied the Pharaohs a historic first World Cup win. AP reported 66,775 fans packed the stadium, the first World Cup match ever played in Seattle.
Both teams start the tournament with one point. Belgium faces Iran next, while Egypt takes on New Zealand before their other group matches.
Ashour's Stunner Gives Egypt a Rare World Cup Lead
Egypt struck first in the 19th minute. Ashour received a pass from Mohamed Salah and fired from 20 yards out. It was his first international goal in 30 caps, according to AP. The moment was historic: it was only the second time Egypt had ever led in a World Cup match.
Egypt could have made it 2-0. Mostafa Zico unleashed a powerful shot that Thibaut Courtois tipped behind in the 33rd minute. In the 55th minute, Courtois saved a Salah header. Ashour then missed the rebound. Belgium had 62% possession but managed just 2 shots on target from 12 attempts, according to FOX Sports.
Lukaku Enters at 66 Minutes, Own Goal Follows in Seconds
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia brought on Lukaku for Charles De Ketelaere at the 66th minute. Within 20 to 28 seconds, Thomas Meunier whipped in a cross. Egypt defender Mohamed Hany, under pressure from Lukaku, turned the ball into his own net. Reuters reported the pressure from Lukaku directly caused the defensive error.
Lukaku's mere presence unsettled Egypt's backline despite his limited fitness. He played just 40 minutes across the entire Serie A season for Napoli due to three separate muscle injuries, including a long hamstring layoff, according to Al Jazeera. Captain Youri Tielemans said: "He needs to build up his fitness... but he helps us in this way."
Disputed Free Kick Fuels Controversy Over the Equalizer
Egypt's camp disputed the sequence leading to the own goal. The free kick that set up Meunier's cross was taken well ahead of where the foul actually occurred, according to Rediff. The Egyptian bench protested loudly. The referee allowed play to continue, and the goal stood.
Egypt forward Hamza Abdelkarim, an 18-year-old making his tournament debut, stayed defiant after the match. "We must treat every match as a must-win and target three points," he said. Egypt's defensive effort was strong — they covered 114 km to Belgium's 108 km — but the result left a bitter taste.
What a Point Means for Each Team Going Forward
For Belgium, the draw echoes the kind of underperformance that ended their 2022 campaign in the group stage. Coach Garcia admitted "only 20% of shots were on target" and called the result a "fair representation" of the effort, according to FOX 13. De Bruyne struck the post in the 53rd minute and never found the net.
For Egypt, it is a bittersweet first point. They were the better side for 60 minutes and came close to their first-ever World Cup victory. Al Jazeera framed the result as a "denied history" moment, noting the officiating controversy. With New Zealand up next, Egypt's camp believes three points are within reach.
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