Romelu Lukaku had been on the pitch for only seconds when Belgium’s World Cup opener changed. The striker did not get the goal himself, but his run helped force Mohamed Hany’s own goal in a 1-1 draw with Egypt at Seattle Stadium. For Belgium, it was a rescue act after a flat first half; for Egypt, it was a point that still carried real weight in Group G.
What We Know So Far
The match finished Belgium 1-1 Egypt, with Emam Ashour putting Egypt ahead in the 19th minute before Hany’s own goal levelled the contest in the 66th. SBS Australia published 3-minute highlights of the Group G match, giving Australian viewers a compact way to catch the key passages from Seattle.
Egypt’s opener came from a quick restart and a sharp right-sided move. Mohamed Salah, playing on his 34th birthday, shifted the ball left to Ashour, who cut towards the top of the D and drove a shot under Thomas Meunier’s leg and beyond Thibaut Courtois. The Guardian reported it was Ashour’s first international goal on his 30th appearance, which made the strike more than a good finish: it was a breakthrough moment on a World Cup stage.
Belgium’s problem was not possession alone; it was the lack of incision. They failed to register a shot on target during the opening 45 minutes, while Egypt repeatedly used Salah, Omar Marmoush, Zico and Ashour to trouble a Belgian side that looked stretched whenever the play moved quickly. Egypt also doubled up on Jérémy Doku, limiting one of Belgium’s most direct outlets.
The second half gave Belgium more territory and more urgency. Kevin De Bruyne hit the post with a 21-yard free-kick in the 53rd minute, and Youri Tielemans later went close with a volley. Rudi Garcia then turned to Lukaku in the 66th minute, replacing Charles De Ketelaere. Almost immediately, Meunier drove a low ball into the area, Lukaku attacked the space between defenders, and Hany diverted the ball into his own net.
The conditions mattered. The match was played under intense midday heat in Seattle, with on-field temperatures around 30C and a crowd of 66,775 watching on. Cooling breaks were used during the contest, and the heat added another layer to a game that already demanded heavy defensive running from Egypt and a second-half push from Belgium.
Reactions & Responses
Egypt’s players had reason to feel both pride and frustration. They had led against one of the group’s highest-profile teams and created further chances, including Salah’s downward header and Ashour’s follow-up in the second half.
It was a good game for the whole team. We wanted the three points, we got one in the end, but we gave it our all. The whole atmosphere was great – thank you to our fans – and now we’ll focus on the next match.
For Belgium, the response will be judged through the contrast between the first hour and the final stages. Goal.com rated Lukaku 7/10 and described his impact as decisive, while Courtois and several Belgian defenders were marked down after a performance in which Egypt repeatedly found space in transition. Garcia’s substitution helped Belgium recover a point, but it also sharpened the question over whether Lukaku starts the next match if he can handle more minutes.
On the Ground
For Australian football fans, this was exactly the sort of early World Cup match that rewards watching beyond the headline names. Belgium had De Bruyne, Courtois, Doku and Lukaku. Egypt had Salah and Marmoush. Yet the defining moments came from Ashour’s first international goal and Hany’s own goal under pressure.
The result also shapes how viewers in Australia follow the group from here. A draw keeps both sides alive and makes the next round of Group G matches more meaningful, especially for Egypt, who showed enough structure and counter-attacking threat to make their qualification push credible.
Coming Up
Belgium and Egypt now turn towards their remaining Group G matches against Iran and New Zealand. The confirmed takeaway from Seattle is that neither side leaves with full control of the group, but both leave with a route forward. Belgium must find a cleaner attacking rhythm before relying on late rescue work again. Egypt, meanwhile, have evidence that their defensive organisation and Salah-led transitions can hurt elite opposition.
At a Glance
- Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G opener.
- Emam Ashour scored for Egypt in the 19th minute.
- Mohamed Hany’s own goal in the 66th minute brought Belgium level.
- Romelu Lukaku helped force the equaliser seconds after coming on.
- The match drew 66,775 fans at Seattle Stadium in around 30C heat.
- Both teams next look to Group G games involving Iran and New Zealand.
FAQ
What was the Belgium vs Egypt World Cup 2026 score?
Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 in their Group G opener at Seattle Stadium.
Who scored for Egypt against Belgium?
Emam Ashour scored for Egypt in the 19th minute with a shot from outside the area.
Did Romelu Lukaku score against Egypt?
No. Belgium’s equaliser was recorded as a Mohamed Hany own goal, but Lukaku’s run helped force the mistake.
Where was Belgium vs Egypt played?
The match was played at Seattle Stadium in front of a crowd of 66,775.
What happens next in Group G?
Belgium and Egypt move on to remaining Group G matches against Iran and New Zealand.