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US widens Iran war as Russian missile debris jolts NATO’s eastern flank

The night brought two kinds of escalation: one chosen, one accidental. Washington struck dozens of Iranian targets, while Poland found missile wreckage in a field after Russia’s latest mass barrage against Ukraine.

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© vrtnws.be
Football·Jun 15

Egypt hold Belgium to 1-1 draw in World Cup opener as Lukaku rescues Red Devils

Emam Ashour gave Egypt an early lead but an own goal from Mohamed Hany, forced by substitute Romelu Lukaku, earned Belgium a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group G opener in Seattle.

Match summary

Egypt and Belgium shared the points in a 1-1 draw at the 2026 World Cup on Monday in Seattle, a result that leaves Group G wide open after the opening round. Emam Ashour struck in the first half to put the Pharaohs ahead, but a second-half own goal from Mohamed Hany under pressure from Romelu Lukaku levelled the match. Both sides had chances to win it late but settled for a point apiece.

Egypt's bright start

Egypt came out aggressively and took the lead early. Ashour drove a powerful shot from outside the box past Thibaut Courtois in the 19th minute after a move initiated by captain Mohamed Salah. The goal was Ashour's first in international football. Egypt continued to threaten on the counter-attack and registered 14 goal attempts over the 90 minutes, matching a team ranked 19 places above them in the FIFA rankings.

We are definitely not here just to make up the numbers. The win was in our hands today.

— Hossam Hassan

The Egyptian coach praised Salah and Omar Marmoush for their "ferocious transitions" and said the performance was part of a wider project to build a new national identity for the squad. Egypt have never won a World Cup match; their best campaign remains 1990, when Hassan himself was in the side.

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Belgium's response and Lukaku impact

Belgium improved after the break and Rudi Garcia introduced Lukaku in the 66th minute. Within 23 seconds, the striker pressured Hany into turning a cross into his own net, cancelling out Ashour's opener. Garcia said Lukaku is not yet ready to start following a hamstring injury and limited club minutes at Napoli, but acknowledged his impact.

When you're an opponent and you see Lukaku coming onto the pitch you're probably quaking in your boots.

— Rudi Garcia

Captain Youri Tielemans admitted the team had a "bad start" and that the Red Devils were outmanoeuvred in the first half. Kevin De Bruyne was substituted in the 85th minute and Jeremy Doku came off a minute later with a breathing issue, Garcia said.

Group G picture

The other Group G match, between Iran and New Zealand in Los Angeles, took place later on Monday. Belgium (ranked 10th in the world) and Egypt (29th) both sit on one point, with Iran (25th) and New Zealand (79th) still to play their opener. Belgium face Iran on Sunday in Inglewood, California, while Egypt meet New Zealand and Iran in their remaining fixtures.

Key moments: Belgium vs Egypt, Group G
  1. Jun 15, 07:00 PMKick-off at Lumen Field in Seattle
  2. Jun 15, 07:19 PMEmam Ashour fires Egypt ahead with powerful strike from outside the box
  3. Jun 15, 08:06 PMRomelu Lukaku enters as substitute for Belgium
  4. Mohamed Hany deflects cross into own net; Belgium equalise
  5. Jun 15, 08:50 PMFull-time: Belgium 1-1 Egypt

No game's an easy game in the World Cup.

— Youri Tielemans
Seattle · Inglewood
Hossam HassanRudi GarciaRomelu LukakuMohamed SalahOmar MarmoushEmam AshourMohamed HanyYouri TielemansKevin De BruyneThibaut CourtoisJeremy Doku
Los AngelesNaplesSeattle

8 sources

  • 'Top-quality' Egypt not at World Cup to make up the numbers, coach says
    Reuters·Jun 16
  • Belgium must beat Iran after disappointing draw with Egypt, Garcia says
    Reuters·Jun 16
  • Belgium and its 'Golden Generation' veterans get off to unimpressive start in World Cup
    AP NEWS·Jun 16
  • Egypt hold Belgium to 1-1 draw
    Reuters·Jun 15
  • Les Diables Rouges entament la Coupe du monde avec un partage contre l'Egypte, sauvés par Lukaku | VRT NWS: le site d'information de référence
    vrtnws.be·Jun 16
  • Romelu Lukaku verhindert Fehlstart: Die Roten Teufel atmen nach einem hart umkämpften Unentschieden gegen Ägypten auf | VRT NWS: nachrichten
    vrtnws.be·Jun 16
  • Bélgica 1 - 1 | Egipto Resumen de goles del Mundial 2026
    EL MUNDO·Jun 16
  • Bélgica 1 - 1 Egipto | Resumen Mundial 2026
    EL MUNDO·Jun 16

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