Egypt and Belgium finished their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener with a 1-1 draw on Monday 15 June, 2026 at Lumen Stadium in Seattle, Washington DC.
The outcome means the Pharaohs have been denied their first ever World Cup victory by the Red Devils after Napoli striker, Romelu Lukaku, forced an own goal leveller.
Just seconds after coming on, Lukaku’s effort forced the African side to strike the back of their own net, earning Belgium a point from the showdown.
After forward, Mohamed Salah, had provided, Emam Ashour superbly converted to hand the Pharoahs the lead in the 19th minute from distance in the intense Seattle heat.
However, the Egyptians, who are seven-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Champions, were unable to hold on to put an end to their wait for a first ever win at the World Cup after Belgium’s all-time top scorer, Lukaku, made a stunning impact immediately he was introduced into the game.
Egypt are still searching for their first win in the World Cup after ninety-two (92) years.
In the 66th minute, just twenty-two (22) seconds after coming on, Lukaku forced the Egyptians to find their own net through Mohammed Hany from Thomas Meunier’s cross.
The clash had veterans, Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne, face off in Seattle, with the two recording their moments.
The European side almost sealed the turnaround, however, Mostafa Shobier, Egypt goalkeeper, finely stopped a header from Brandon Mechele, and Lukaku’s late chance was headed over.
Next for Belgium and Egypt
In their next Group G games, Belgium will face Iran in their World Cup 2026 contest on Sunday 21 June, 2026 at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California at 20:00 (WAT), while, Egypt face New Zealand on Monday 22 June, 2026 at 02:00 (WAT) at BC Place Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
New Zealand and Iran finished their game 2-2 in the early hours of Tuesday 16 June, 2027 at Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood.
All four (4) teams in Group G have one (1) point each with New Zealand and Iran, first and second respectively, while, Belgium and Egypt are third and fourth respectively.
Results:
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group Phase) – Monday 15 June, 2026 |
| Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador |
| Sweden 5-1 Tunisia |
| Spain 0-0 Cape Verde |
| Belgium 1-1 Egypt |
| Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay |
Photo: SSC Napoli midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, in action for Belgium during the FIFA World Cup 2026 game against Egypt on Monday in Washington DC
