Egypt opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a spirited performance, holding Belgium to a 1-1 draw in their Group G opener on Monday night at Seattle Stadium.
The Pharaohs took the lead in the 19th minute through Emam Ashour after a brilliant piece of play from Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool star, celebrating his 34th birthday, picked out Ashour in space, and the Al Ahly midfielder unleashed a powerful strike beyond Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Egypt, under coach Hossam Hassan, defended resolutely and looked dangerous on the counterattack, with Salah and Omar Marmoush using their pace to trouble the Belgian backline.
Belgium enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the first half but struggled to break down Egypt’s well-organised defence.
The Red Devils increased the intensity after the break, with Kevin De Bruyne becoming more influential. The Manchester City midfielder came close to levelling the score in the 53rd minute when his free-kick struck the post.
Egypt also had chances to extend their advantage. Salah saw a header saved by Courtois before Ashour failed to convert the rebound, while Marmoush repeatedly threatened on the counterattack. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia introduced Romelu Lukaku in the 66th minute in a bid to inject more attacking power into his side.
The substitution paid off almost immediately. Moments after coming on, Lukaku’s presence unsettled the Egyptian defence as Thomas Meunier delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Under pressure, Mohamed Hany inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net, with the equaliser officially recorded as an own goal.
Belgium pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a composed display and, together with Egypt’s disciplined defence, ensured the Pharaohs secured a valuable point from their opening match.
