Belgium’s Belgium Egypt World Cup 2026 Group G clash in Seattle will be remembered for two things: the brilliance of Emam Ashour’s opening goal on Mohamed Salah’s 34th birthday, and the staggering speed of Romelu Lukaku’s equaliser just 22 seconds after stepping off the bench. The match ended 1-1 at Lumen Field, leaving Egypt’s 92-year wait for a first World Cup victory intact.
Ashour’s Stunner and Lukaku’s Instant Impact
Egypt, starting Salah in an unfamiliar number 10 role, went ahead in the 19th minute when Ashour hammered a long-range strike beyond Thibaut Courtois for his first international goal. Belgium struggled badly to respond in the first half Doku blazed a close-range volley over as the Red Devils failed to register a single shot on target before the break. De Bruyne struck the outside of the post with a free-kick early in the second period, and Egypt should have doubled their lead when Courtois pushed Salah’s header straight to Ashour, who lashed wide from close range.
Then came the turning point. Just 22 seconds after coming on, Lukaku forced a Mohamed Hany own goal from Thomas Meunier’s cross in the 66th minute. Belgium then nearly completed the turnaround Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir superbly denied Brandon Mechele’s header, and Lukaku headed over a late chance. The final whistle drew frustrated applause from the Belgian end; thunderous, emotional cheering from Egypt’s.
What the Belgium Egypt Draw Means for Group G
Belgium struggled to get firing in the first half and fell behind to Ashour’s brilliant strike, and the Red Devils know they need a significant improvement if they are to push through in Group G, which also features Iran and New Zealand. Egypt, meanwhile, showed they are more than capable of competing at this level and will carry genuine belief into their next fixtures. Both teams return to action shortly, knowing a win in their next game is now essential.
2026 FIFA World Cup Group G Full Preview: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand →
Full match report available at FIFA.com.
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