Belgium and Egypt opened their World Cup campaigns with a 1-1 draw in Seattle Stadium, a match that saw a late equaliser from Belgium after Egypt had taken the lead. The game, played under high temperatures and hazy clouds, drew a crowd of 66,775 spectators.
The match was held in 30C (86F) heat, leading to the implementation of cooling breaks for the players. Both teams, wearing similar red and white colours, filled the stadium, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the Group G clash.
Egypt’s early lead
Egypt broke the deadlock in the 19th minute with a goal from Emam Ashour. The midfielder received a pass from Mohamed Salah, who was playing on his 34th birthday, and fired a shot past Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. This marked Ashour’s first international goal in his 30th appearance.
The goal came against the run of play, as Belgium had started strongly with Jérémy Doku orchestrating their attacks. Despite Belgium’s early pressure, Egypt’s quick restart and effective build-up on the right side led to the breakthrough. The celebration following Ashour’s goal was described as raucous, causing the stands at Seattle Stadium to physically rock.
Egypt, despite being record Africa Cup of Nations winners, have a challenging record in their previous World Cup appearances, having not won any of their eight games since their debut 92 years ago.
Before half-time, Egypt nearly extended their lead when Mostafa Zico’s strike was tipped behind by Courtois. Belgium struggled to utilise their width effectively in the first half, with Doku often double-teamed and Leandro Trossard losing possession multiple times.
As the first half concluded, Belgium increased their speculative shots, including a long-range effort from Kevin De Bruyne that struck Charles De Ketelaere. Doku also attempted a volley that went over the bar. Egypt maintained their composure, breaking on the counter when opportunities arose and otherwise holding possession in midfield.
Lukaku’s impact and Belgium’s comeback
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia introduced Romelu Lukaku in the 66th minute, a substitution that quickly paid off. Seconds after entering the field, Lukaku’s presence in the box, stretching for a cross from Thomas Meunier, led to an own goal from Egypt’s Mohamed Hany, levelling the score at 1-1.
Garcia commented on Lukaku’s impact, noting that opponents’ confidence tends to drop when the striker enters the game. Lukaku’s threat drew two defenders, creating the situation that resulted in the equaliser. This immediate contribution helped Belgium salvage a point from the match.
Lukaku’s fitness had been a concern, as hamstring injuries had limited him to just 40 minutes in Serie A for Napoli during the 2025-26 season. However, Garcia expressed that this limited play might make a role off the bench more suitable for the veteran striker in the tournament.
Prior to the equaliser, Kevin de Bruyne had hit the outside of the post from a free-kick as Belgium began to assert more control over the game. In the second half, Egypt continued to pose a threat on the counter, with Omar Marmoush leading their charge. Marmoush had a key chance in the 59th minute to double Egypt’s lead, but a nudge from Nathan Ngoy disrupted his shot. He had another opportunity five minutes later, but his shot was deflected wide for a corner.
The game remained open for the final 20 minutes plus stoppage time, with both teams creating chances to secure a win. However, neither side could find a second goal, and the match concluded with a 1-1 draw.
Belgium will next face Iran, with their game scheduled for 20:00 (UK) on Sunday 21 June. Egypt will play New Zealand slightly later, at 02:00 (UK) on Monday 22 June.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
