Lukaku's instant impact off the bench rescues Belgium in 1-1 World Cup draw with Egypt
Romelu Lukaku entered the match in the 66th minute and immediately forced an own goal as Belgium salvaged a 1-1 draw against a lively Egypt in their Group G opener at the 2026 World Cup in Seattle.
Egypt seize early advantage
On a sweltering evening in Seattle, with temperatures around 30°C and 66,775 fans in attendance, Egypt set out to disrupt Belgium's favoured status in Group G. They needed just 19 minutes to do so. Mohamed Salah, celebrating his 34th birthday, orchestrated a move from the right, feeding Emam Ashour. The Al-Ahly midfielder, on his 30th international cap, took a touch and struck a low shot that slipped under Thomas Meunier's leg and past Thibaut Courtois. The stadium erupted, sensing a historic first World Cup victory for the Pharaohs.
Belgium struggle to find rhythm
Belgium, despite controlling possession, were disjointed in attack. Jérémy Doku was tightly marked and often outnumbered, while Leandro Trossard squandered possession repeatedly. The Red Devils' best moment of the first half came from a Kevin De Bruyne long‑range effort that deflected off Charles De Ketelaere, but the ball sailed wide. Egypt nearly doubled their lead deep into stoppage time when a goalkeeping miscommunication left Muhannad Lashin with an open goal, but the chance went begging. Before the interval, Mostafa Zico's angled shot forced a fine save from Courtois. At the break, Egypt held a deserved 1-0 lead.
After the restart, Belgium pressed with more urgency. De Bruyne's 53rd‑minute free kick thundered against the post, the closest they came to equalising. Egypt responded almost immediately, with Ashour missing a good opportunity on the rebound. The pattern held: Belgium probing, Egypt dangerous on the counter.
Lukaku turns the tide
The match pivoted in the 66th minute when Belgium coach Rudi Garcia turned to Romelu Lukaku, the Chelsea forward who had managed only 40 minutes of club football all season due to a thigh injury. Garcia had admitted the forward was
, but the striker's introduction changed the dynamic. Within seconds, Thomas Meunier drove a low cross into the box, Lukaku challenged, and Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany, under pressure, turned the ball into his own net. The scoreboard read 1-1, and Belgium had salvaged a critical point. The own goal denied Lukaku the chance to set a Belgian World Cup scoring record outright; he remains tied with Marc Wilmots on five goals. Salah, with 67 international goals, ended the day one short of coach Hossam Hassan's record.out of shape
- 19' — Emam Ashour puts Egypt ahead with a low drive from outside the box, assisted by Mohamed Salah.
- 45+5' — Muhannad Lashin misses an open goal for Egypt after a goalkeeping miscommunication.
- 53' — Kevin De Bruyne’s free kick hits the post for Belgium.
- 66' — Romelu Lukaku enters the match; seconds later, Thomas Meunier’s cross forces Mohamed Hany’s own goal.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the final minutes. Brandon Mechele's header went off target, and Egypt's rapid breaks threatened Courtois's goal. But the match ended level, leaving both teams to rue missed opportunities.
Group G wide open
The draw leaves Belgium and Egypt with one point apiece, awaiting the outcome of Tuesday's game between Iran and New Zealand. For Egypt, the frustration of another missed chance at a maiden World Cup win lingered, while Belgium reflected on a performance that relied on a substitute's instant impact to avoid defeat.
