Egypt Stun Belgium Early but Forced to Share Spoils in 1–1 Draw

TDT | Manama

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Egypt opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-earned 1–1 draw against Belgium in Seattle, as Emam Ashour’s first-half strike was cancelled out by a second-half own goal from Mohamed Hany following Romelu Lukaku’s introduction.

The Group G opener at Seattle Stadium saw Egypt take the lead against the run of play, with Hossam Hassan’s side showing early organisation against a Belgium team expected to control the contest.

Belgium dominated possession from the start but struggled to break down Egypt’s compact defensive block, with Jeremy Doku frequently doubled up on and Kevin De Bruyne limited to long-range efforts. Egypt’s midfield pairing of Marwan Attia and Hamdi Fathy worked tirelessly to shield the back line.

The breakthrough came in the 19th minute when Mohamed Salah found Emam Ashour in space outside the box. The midfielder took a touch and produced a powerful finish into the bottom-left corner, giving Egypt a shock lead and igniting the travelling support.

Belgium responded with increasing pressure but continued to lack a clinical edge in the final third. Mostafa Zico tested Thibaut Courtois with a low effort, while Youri Tielemans went close from distance, but Egypt held firm to reach half-time ahead.

The Pharaohs nearly doubled their advantage after the restart when Salah’s header was saved by Courtois, with Ashour unable to convert the rebound. Omar Marmoush also threatened on the counter, using his pace to stretch the Belgian back line.

Belgium made a crucial change in the 66th minute, introducing Romelu Lukaku, and the substitution immediately altered the rhythm of the match. Within seconds, sustained pressure inside the Egypt penalty area led to confusion in defence, and Mohamed Hany turned the ball into his own net under pressure to level the score.

From there, Belgium pushed for a winner, with Lukaku heading over and De Bruyne testing goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir from set pieces. Egypt, however, remained dangerous on the break, with Marmoush and Salah continuing to threaten in transition.

Despite late pressure from both sides, neither team could find a winning goal, leaving the match finely balanced at full time.

Belgium will next face Iran on June 21 at 10pm at Los Angeles Stadium, while Egypt take on New Zealand the following day at 4am at BC Place in Vancouver. Both times are in Bahrain.