World Cup 2026: Lukaku inspires Belgium comeback as Egypt held to draw

SEATTLE: Belgium salvaged a 1-1 draw against Egypt in their opening Group G match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup here at Seattle Stadium on Monday, thanks to an immediate impact from substitute Romelu Lukaku in the second half.

Introduced in the 66th minute as Belgium sought greater physical presence in attack, the Napoli striker changed the match within seconds.

Just 28 seconds after entering the pitch, Lukaku met a cross from Thomas Meunier, splitting two defenders and forcing an own goal from Egypt defender Mohamed Hany.

The ball ricocheted off Hany’s foot in a crowded penalty area and past goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir to level the score.

Belgium had emerged from the interval with renewed intensity after a frustrating first half.

Thibaut Courtois kept his side in contention with crucial saves, including a diving stop to deny Mohamed Salah’s header in the 55th minute. 

Earlier in the first half, Emam Ashour capitalised on Egypt’s first clear opening of the match, calmly finishing to give his side the advantage against one of Europe’s strongest teams.

Despite trailing, Belgium enjoyed the majority of possession throughout the opening 45 minutes.

Belgium attempted seven shots during the first half but were unable to test the Egyptian goalkeeper, with none of their efforts finding the target.

Egypt, meanwhile, remained compact defensively and relied on quick transitions, registering three shots in total, one of which resulted in Ashour’s crucial goal.

Egypt also threatened on the counter-attack, with Omar Marmoush seeing an effort deflected wide.

Mohamed Salah, deployed centrally by coach Hossam Hassan on his 34th birthday, provided the assist with a precise pass to Ashour, whose powerful 20-yard strike beat Courtois low to his left.

Despite Egypt’s impressive display, Lukaku’s swift intervention ensured Belgium escaped with a point and denied the Pharaohs a historic opening-match victory.