Belgium held by battling Egypt in Seattle
Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G opener in Seattle. Emam Ashour's stunning strike had given Egypt the lead before Mohamed Hany's own goal levelled the score for Belgium.
Belgium 1-1 Egypt
Goals: 0-1 Ashour 19' (assist: Salah), 1-1 Hany o.g. 66'
Both sides had qualified for the tournament impressively, and the pitch was host to some real star names.
Egypt boasted genuine attacking threats in Mohamed Salah and former Bundesliga forward Omar Marmoush, while Belgium could call upon the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku.
Eintracht Frankfurt defender Arthur Theate started on the bench for Belgium.
Ashour fires Egypt ahead
The match began at a high tempo, with both sides looking to move the ball forward quickly. De Bruyne came close early on, but his shot from just outside the area bounced narrowly wide.
Egypt took the lead in the 19th minute through a moment of real quality. Emam Ashour received a pass from Salah on the edge of the box, took a touch into the space, and drove a powerful low strike into the bottom corner past the outstretched Thibaut Courtois.
Although Belgium had more of the ball, they failed to create opportunities. Leandro Trossard had a couple of efforts blocked, and Doku blazed over from inside the box after a neat lay-off from Charles De Ketelaere.
Belgium level after the break
The second half saw far more chances. De Bruyne struck the left post with a free-kick in the 53rd minute before Egypt nearly made it 2-0 at the other end as Courtois saved Salah's header before Ashour fired the rebound wide from a good position.
In need of a goal, Rudi Garcia sent on Belgium's record goalscorer, Romelu Lukaku, and he had an immediate impact. Within moments of his arrival, Thomas Meunier fired a low cross into the box that Lukaku launched himself towards, and Mohamed Hany turned the ball into his own net under pressure.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but it was Belgium that had the better chances. Brandon Mechele was denied by a fine save from goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. Then Lukaku headed over from close range in the 87th minute when he should have done better.
