Egypt drew 1-1 with Belgium in their opening Group G match, taking a point after Emam Ashour’s first-half goal.
Egypt drew 1-1 with Belgium in their opening Group G match at the 2026 World Cup in Seattle.
Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead in the 19th minute after a pass from Mohamed Salah. The midfielder scored with a right-footed strike as Egypt took a 1-0 lead into half-time.
Belgium equalised in the 66th minute when a Thomas Meunier cross caused pressure inside the Egypt area, and the ball went in off Mohamed Hany.
Romelu Lukaku had entered seconds earlier, replacing Charles De Ketelaere. The forward’s movement contributed to the equaliser, though the goal was later recorded as an own goal.
Belgium pushed for a winner after the break. Kevin de Bruyne came close from a free-kick and later forced a save from Mostafa Shobeir.
Egypt also had chances to score again. Salah had a second-half header saved by Thibaut Courtois, while Ashour missed the follow-up. Omar Marmoush also came close on multiple instances, ultimately failing to convert.
The result gives both teams one point in Group G. Iran and New Zealand will play later in the group’s other opening match.
Egypt will next face New Zealand on June 21 before ending the group stage against Iran on June 26.