Belgium draws 1-1 with Egypt in World Cup group opener after late own goal rescues Red Devils
Belgium and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group 7 at Lumen Field in Seattle. The Egyptians took a first-half lead through Ashour's powerful strike, but a second-half own goal forced by Romelu Lukaku salvaged a point for the Red Devils.
Match overview
Belgium and Egypt met on 15 June 2026 in Seattle for the first game of Group 7 at the 2026 World Cup. The match started at pace, with Belgium controlling possession but Egypt proving dangerous on the counter. The first chance fell to Kevin De Bruyne in the 7th minute, but his low right-footed shot went just wide of the far post.
Egypt takes the lead
Egypt opened the scoring in the 20th minute against the run of play. Mohamed Salah moved in from the right and laid the ball off to Ashour, whose powerful drive from outside the box beat Thibaut Courtois low to his right. The goal unsettled Belgium, and Egypt grew in confidence. Ziko forced a sharp save from Courtois with a diagonal shot in the 33rd minute, and Marmoush tested the keeper again in first-half stoppage time.
Belgium's only clear chance of the first half came in the 45th minute when De Ketelaere set up Jérémy Doku, but his shot from the penalty spot sailed over the bar. At the break, Belgium held 61 percent possession but had created little of note.
Second-half fightback
The tempo rose dramatically after half-time. De Bruyne struck the right-hand post with a curling free-kick in the 53rd minute, and three minutes later Courtois made a double stop to deny Salah's header and then Ashour on the rebound. The game became end-to-end, with Marmoush breaking quickly for Egypt and Tielemans and De Bruyne drawing saves from the Egyptian goalkeeper.
Lukaku's instant impact
Rudi Garcia introduced Romelu Lukaku for De Ketelaere in the 66th minute, and seconds later Belgium were level. Thomas Meunier crossed towards the towering forward, who applied enough pressure that Hany turned the ball into his own net. The goal was credited as an own goal, but Lukaku's presence was decisive. Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but the match ended without a victor.
Key performers
Mo Salah's creative work set up the opening goal, while Courtois kept Belgium in the game with several vital saves. De Bruyne was influential in midfield and came closest to scoring for Belgium before the equaliser. For Egypt, Ashour impressed with his goal and energy, and Marmoush was a constant threat on the break.
