BELvEGY RECAP: Egypt and Belgium Share Points in Thrilling 1-1 Draw

Egypt and Belgium drew 1-1 on Monday afternoon at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. on Matchday 1 of Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mohamed 'The Pharaoh' Emam Ashour scored the opener for the Egyptians, while a Romelu Lukaku- assisted own goal levelled the score for the Red Devils.

Belgium got off to a quick start, with Kevin De Bruyne receiving the ball from the top of the eighteen in the 7th minute. De Bruyne took the shot toward the left bottom corner of the goal but was just unable to hit the net.

In the 14th minute, the Egyptians took advantage of a strong defensive play, and Mohamed 'The Lion' Salah found himself with the ball down the center of the pitch after being taken down by Belgium defender Timothy Castagne. A yellow card was issued to Castagne after the incident, giving the Egyptians a boost of energy.

Salah would go on to create another scoring opportunity in the 19th minute after finding an open Emam Ashour in the box. Ashour blasted the ball from distance into the bottom left corner of the net, giving his team the opening lead.

Following a quick water break, Belgium came back with immediate pressure, with De Bruyne taking another shot from inside the box in the 28th minute. However, a remarkable save from Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir and a foul called on Thomas Meunier prevented the potential opportunity for the Red Devils.

The Egyptians nearly tallied their second goal of the day in the 33rd minute when 'The Lion' found Zico on the right side of the eighteen. However, his powerful strike across the face of the goal was saved by Thibaut Courtois, who made a strong diving effort to tip the ball away from danger.

Belgium earned their first goal-scoring chance in the 39th minute, when De Bruyne laid the ball to Leandro Trossard at the top of the box. However, his strike was cleared by Yasser Ibrahim.

The Red Devils got another chance in the first minute of added time with a bouncing ball toward Doku near the spot, but his volley attempt blasted over the goal.

Just before the half, Egypt had a chance at goal when a Nathan Ngoy header back to Courtois was short. Omar Marmoush got a hold of it and took a shot from the left side of the box, but was denied by Courtois.

The Egyptians came out firing in the second half when 'The Lion' found Zico in the center of the box for a knock at goal in the 48th minute. His shot was stopped by multiple Belgium players and Marmoush's follow-up attempt was also blocked.

Belgium earned a free kick in the 52nd minute when Doku was fouled just outside the eighteen. Although it looked like the set-piece was going in, the ball struck the left post.

Salah was inches away from extending the lead to two for the Egyptians when a cross from the left flank found his head from close range in the 52nd minute. However, Courtois read the play well, saving the redirected header for Belgium.

Belgium's Youri Tielemans displayed a beautiful volley off a mis-cleared corner in the 62nd minute, but his powerful shot went just wide of the goal.

The Red Devils' equalizer came in the 66th minute when Lukaku made an instant impact. Subbed on at the 66th minute, Lukaku's attacking efforts inside the box resulted in an own goal from Egypt just 15 seconds into play.

Belgium continued their attack when a chipped ball found Thibaut Mechele perfectly set up to head the ball into the net in the 83rd minute. However, a save from Shobeir kept the score 1-1.

It was a back-and-forth battle in the final moments of the match, with both sides having opportunities to take the win. After 90 minutes and added time, Belgium and Egypt left their World Cup Group G match with a point a piece.

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Egypt's wait for their first World Cup win continues, as they remain without a victory in World Cup history after drawing 1-1 with Belgium. Their next opportunity to earn their first World Cup victory comes against New Zealand on June 21.

The match was marked by an electrifying atmosphere at Lumen Field, with both sides putting on an exciting show of football for the fans.