Belgium and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw in a highly anticipated Group G match at Seattle Stadium, sharing the points after neither side managed to secure all three.
The high-profile encounter between Belgium, led by Kevin De Bruyne, and Egypt, captained by Mohamed Salah, saw both teams fail to break the deadlock beyond a single goal each.
Egypt started aggressively and were rewarded for their bright opening. In the 19th minute, Emam Ashour struck a brilliant long-range effort from outside the box after being set up by captain Mohamed Salah, giving Egypt a 1-0 lead. It was Ashour’s first international goal, putting his side ahead early.
With that strike, Egypt also became the first team in World Cup history to go into half-time leading after scoring first in that context of the match scenario. Belgium, meanwhile, pushed hard for an equalizer after going behind.
In the second half, the European side increased the intensity of their attacks. Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne came close to leveling the score in the 53rd minute, but his free-kick came off the post, leaving his side frustrated.
Belgian coach later introduced Romelu Lukaku to change the game, and his presence ultimately made the difference.
In the 66th minute, Egypt defender Mohamed Hany attempted to block a fast Belgian attack but ended up deflecting the ball into his own net while trying to stop Lukaku, resulting in an own goal that brought Belgium back on level terms at 1-1.
Hany’s own goal was the third of the 2026 World Cup. After the equalizer, both sides pushed for a winner, but neither Salah nor De Bruyne could find the decisive breakthrough.
The match ended 1-1, with both Belgium and Egypt earning a point each from their opening Group G fixture.
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