- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Lukaku Rescues Belgium as Egypt Earn Hard-Fought Draw
Belgium needed the instant impact of star striker Romelu Lukaku to avoid a shock defeat as they battled from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Egypt in their opening Group G clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Seattle.
The highly anticipated encounter at Seattle Stadium saw Egypt produce a disciplined and fearless display, frustrating the Europeans for long spells and coming agonisingly close to a famous victory.
Egypt stunned Belgium in the 19th minute when midfielder Emam Ashour fired home his first international goal. Captain Mohamed Salah, operating in a deeper central role on his 34th birthday, threaded a precise pass into Ashour’s path before the midfielder unleashed a powerful strike beyond goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Belgium had controlled possession early on but struggled to convert their dominance into goals. Midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne dragged an early effort wide, while winger Jeremy Doku missed a glorious opportunity before halftime after slicing his shot wide from close range.
Egypt’s defensive organisation continued to frustrate the Red Devils after the break. De Bruyne came inches from equalising when his free-kick beat goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir but crashed against the post.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia eventually turned to Lukaku in the 66th minute, and the substitution transformed the match almost immediately.
Within seconds of his introduction, Lukaku charged into the box and forced Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany into turning a dangerous cross into his own net, handing Belgium the equaliser.
The Napoli forward nearly completed the comeback late in the contest but headed over the bar from point-blank range after connecting with a cross from substitute Nicolas Raskin.
Egypt, however, refused to settle for a draw and continued to threaten on the counterattack in a frantic closing spell. The Pharaohs also appealed strongly for a late penalty after Mostafa Zico went down under pressure from Belgian defender Maxim De Cuyper, but the referee waved away the protests without consulting VAR.
The Belgian coach added that his side must now beat Iran in their next Group G fixture to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage.
The result leaves Group G finely poised ahead of the later clash between Iran and New Zealand in Los Angeles.
