Belgium and Egypt shared the points in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing 1-1 after two very different halves in a fascinating Group G encounter.
Egypt impressed before halftime and deservedly took the lead through a spectacular strike from Emam Ashour, while Belgium responded strongly after the break and eventually found an equalizer thanks to an own goal forced by substitute Romelu Lukaku.
The result leaves both teams with one point after Matchday 1, with Iran and New Zealand still set to play the other opening fixture in Group G.
Belgium entered the match looking to control possession, but Egypt quickly demonstrated that they would be far more than defensive underdogs. Led by Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, the Pharaohs attacked with confidence and regularly exposed weaknesses in the Belgian back line.
The breakthrough came in the 19th minute. Salah collected possession in a central area and delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Ashour. The midfielder took advantage of the space in front of him and unleashed a powerful long-range effort that beat Thibaut Courtois and flew into the net.
The goal rewarded a bright start from Egypt and highlighted the creativity of Salah, who was heavily involved throughout the opening period.
Belgium struggled to respond. Kevin De Bruyne remained the team’s primary source of inspiration, while Jérémy Doku created occasional danger down the flank. However, Charles De Ketelaere, deployed as a false nine, failed to influence the match and the Red Devils rarely threatened Egypt goalkeeper Shoubir before halftime.
Rudi Garcia’s side emerged with greater urgency after the break. Doku continued to cause problems and won a free kick that nearly produced an equalizer, but De Bruyne’s effort struck the post.
The turning point arrived in the 66th minute when Garcia introduced Lukaku. The veteran striker immediately gave Belgium a more direct attacking presence and played a key role in the equalizing goal.
Only moments after entering the match, Lukaku’s movement and pressure inside the penalty area forced defender Mohamed Hany into an unfortunate own goal, bringing Belgium level at 1-1.
The momentum then swung heavily toward the Red Devils. Belgium pushed forward in search of a winner, with De Bruyne orchestrating attacks and Lukaku causing constant problems for the Egyptian defense.
Despite the pressure, Egypt remained organized and resilient. Marmoush continued to threaten on the counterattack, while the defense held firm during the closing stages to secure a valuable point.
The final whistle confirmed a result that reflected the balance of the match: Egypt’s excellent first half and Belgium’s strong response after the break.
Match Report: Belgium 1-1 Egypt
Goals: 19′ Ashour (EGY), 66′ Own Goal Hany (BEL)
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, Castagne (56′ De Cuyper); Onana (56′ Raskin), Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne (86′ Vanaken), Doku (86′ Fernandez-Pardo); De Ketelaere (66′ Lukaku).
Head Coach: Rudi Garcia
Egypt (4-2-3-1): Shoubir; Hany, Ibrahim, Attia, El Fotouh (89′ Afez); Lashin, Fathy (88′ Adel); Salah (76′ Abdelkarim), Ashour (71′ Rabia), Zico (76′ Zizo); Marmoush.
Head Coach: Hossam Hassan
Referee: Raphael Claus Abbatti (Brazil)
Yellow Cards: El Fotouh, Attia (Egypt); Castagne, De Cuyper (Belgium)
Red Cards: None
Venue: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group G
