Belgium deny Egypt opening World Cup victory
by Kickoff Reporter · KickOffEgypt were denied an opening victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Belgium came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw in Seattle on Monday evening.
Fixture: Belgium v Egypt
Score: 1-1
Goalscorers: Hany OG (66') /Ashour (20')
The much-fancied Red Devils hoped for a perfect start after a dominant run of results in the run-up to the tournament, which included a thrashing Tunisia 5-0, while the Pharaohs seeked a positive start to have a chance progressing to the knockout stages.
Egypt stole the march in the opening-quarter after former Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah played a low ball from the right to the edge of the box for Emam Ashour to work an angle and powered in the bottom-corner for the opening goal on 20 minutes.
There was more pressure piled on the Red Devils just past the hydration break as Mostafa Zico stepped in the box and released a low shot from an acute angle, but Thibaut Courtois managed to get around it and parried.
Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku was given a golden chance to level it up on the stroke of halftime following a first-time shot in the box from a knockdown by Charles de Ketelerare, but the effort sailed high and wide over target.
Second Half:
Belgium continued to probe a comeback five minutes in the second period and were denied when veteran midfielder Kevin De Bruyne hit the upright through a free-kick outside the six-yard area.
Salah almost extended their cushion two minutes gone with a potent header on the far side of the area following a cross by Ahmed Fatouh, but the attempt was effectively courted by Courtois.
The Red Devils boss Rudi Garcia turned to the bench in the hunt for the equaliser and threw on Romelu Lukaku ahead of de Ketelerare during the midway mark of the second period of the match.
It proved effective as Lukaku applied intense pressure in the centre of the box and forced Mohamed Hany to dispatch a teasing cross from Thomas Meunier into his own net, levelling matters in Seattle.
Belgium were buoyed by the goal and almost hit the front-foot following a header to the far corner of the net by Brandon Mechele from a cross by Youri Tielemans, but Mostafa Shobeir. adjusted himself and palmed the threat.
However, there was no winner despite a lively exchange of chances late on as the Red Devils and Pharaohs opened up Group G with a share of the spoils.