2026 World Cup: Own goal denies Egypt victory over Belgium

Egypt were denied a historic first FIFA World Cup victory after Belgium fought back, via an own goal, to secure a 1-1 draw in a fiercely contested Group G clash at Seattle Stadium on Monday.

The Pharaohs looked on course for a memorable win after Emam Ashour’s first-half strike gave them the lead, but a second-half own goal by Mohamed Hany handed Belgium a share of the points.

Played in 30-degree heat, both sides started brightly, although clear-cut chances were initially limited.

Belgium came close in the seventh minute when Kevin De Bruyne fired narrowly wide from outside the penalty area.

Egypt remained compact and disciplined, with Omar Marmoush leading several dangerous attacks, while Belgium struggled to break down the African side’s organised shape.

The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute when Mohamed Salah found Ashour with a simple pass.

The midfielder took aim from distance and sent a right-footed effort beyond Thibaut Courtois into the bottom corner to give Egypt the lead.

Belgium attempted to respond by involving Jérémy Doku more frequently, but the Red Devils continued to lack fluency in attack.

Doku’s wayward stoppage-time effort summed up a frustrating first half for the European side.

Egypt nearly doubled their advantage shortly after the restart as Belgium survived a goalmouth scramble.

Moments later, De Bruyne came close to levelling the score, but his direct free-kick struck the woodwork.

Courtois was then forced into action to parry a free header from Salah before Ashour dragged the rebound wide.

Marmoush continued to trouble Belgium on the counterattack and looked set to test Courtois again before Nathan Ngoy produced a timely intervention.

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Belgium gradually increased the pressure and almost equalised through Youri Tielemans, whose powerful left-footed volley drifted narrowly wide.

The turning point came in the 66th minute when Romelu Lukaku entered the match.

Within moments, Belgium were level after Hany’s attempt to clear the ball from the striker’s path ended with the ball finding the back of Egypt’s net.

Boosted by the equaliser, Belgium pushed for a winner and nearly found one late on, but Mostofa Shobeir produced an excellent one-handed save to deny Brandon Mechele.

The result extended Belgium’s strong World Cup group-stage record, with just one defeat in their last 16 matches at that stage of the competition.

For Egypt, the draw brought disappointment after coming so close to a first World Cup victory, but the performance offered encouragement as they continue their Group G campaign.

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