In their opening match of Group G at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Belgium and Egypt played to a 1-1 draw.
According to Yonhap News, the match took place at Seattle Stadium in Washington state, where Egypt scored an own goal in the 66th minute, resulting in the tie.
Belgium conceded the first goal just 19 minutes into the match. Egypt's Imam Ashour found the net after breaking through Belgium's right flank and connecting with a pass at the edge of the penalty area.
Ashour confidently fired a powerful right-footed shot past a Belgian defender, shaking the net.
In the 31st minute, Belgium's Youri Tielemans attempted to equalize with a header from Timothy Castagne's left-side cross, but the ball went wide of the right post.
Belgium faced several missed scoring opportunities and was even threatened with another goal. In the 33rd minute, Egypt's Mostafa Ziko unleashed a strong shot from the right corner of the penalty box, which Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois managed to deflect just in time.
In the 52nd minute, Belgium forward Jeremy Doku earned a free kick after being fouled just outside the penalty area. Veteran Kevin De Bruyne took the kick, curling it sharply with his right foot, but the ball hit the left post and bounced away.
As Egypt's defense proved difficult to penetrate, Belgium made two substitutions in the 56th minute, bringing on striker Romelu Lukaku shortly thereafter in a bid to change the game's momentum.
The equalizer came immediately after Lukaku's introduction. Belgium created an opportunity with a ground cross following a breakthrough on the right flank. Lukaku, charging into the center, attempted a sliding shot that deflected off Egypt's Mohamed Hani and into the net, resulting in an own goal.
Belgium will face Iran on June 22 at 4 a.m. KST, while Egypt will play New Zealand on the same day at 10 a.m. KST.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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