2026 FIFA World Cup | Group G | Monday June 15
- Belgium 1-1 Egypt
Egypt delivered a spirited performance but were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against World Cup contenders Belgium in Seattle on Monday after an own goal cancelled out their deserved lead.
The Pharaohs looked anything but underdogs against one of football’s traditional powerhouses, matching Belgium throughout the contest and creating some of the game’s best chances.
Their reward came in the 19th minute when Emam Ashour put Egypt ahead. Mohamed Salah slipped a precise pass into his path and Ashour responded with a powerful strike from distance that beat Thibaut Courtois and found the bottom corner.
Egypt remained organised and dangerous. Salah, Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Zico repeatedly threatened on the break, while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir was assured whenever Belgium tested him.
The North Africans nearly doubled their advantage after the break. Salah’s header forced a fine save from Courtois before Marmoush drove through the Belgian defence only to see his effort narrowly miss the target.
Belgium struggled to break Egypt down until the introduction of Romelu Lukaku midway through the second half. The striker’s presence immediately added pressure in the final third and helped turn the momentum.
The equaliser arrived in the 66th minute. A dangerous ball into the box created confusion in the Egyptian defence and Mohamed Hany, under pressure, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Egypt refused to let the setback derail them and continued to push forward in search of a winner. At the other end, Shobeir preserved the draw with an excellent late save to deny Brandon Mechele.
While Belgium escaped with a point, Egypt will feel they deserved more from a performance full of discipline, courage and attacking intent.
The seven-time African champions return to World Cup action on June 22 when they face New Zealand.
All 104 2026 FIFA World Cup matches will be broadcast live on GOtv and DStv’s dedicated FIFA World Cup channels – Everything Can Wait.
