Belgium and Egypt played to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of Group G at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On June 16, Belgium conceded a goal just 19 minutes into the match at Seattle Stadium in Washington state, when Egypt's Imam Ashour scored after a well-placed pass from the right side of the field.
Ashour confidently struck the ball with his right foot, beating a Belgian defender and finding the back of the net.
Belgium's Youri Tielemans had a chance to equalize in the 31st minute, heading Timothy Castagne's left-side cross just wide of the right post.
Despite several scoring opportunities, Belgium faced a near miss when Egypt's Mostafa Ziko fired a powerful shot from the right corner of the penalty area, which Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois managed to deflect.
In the 52nd minute, Belgian 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, but it hit the left post and bounced away.
With Egypt's defense holding firm, Belgium made two substitutions in the 56th minute and brought on striker Romelu Lukaku in the 66th minute, looking to change the game.
The equalizer came shortly after Lukaku's introduction. Belgium created a chance with a low cross from the right side, and as Lukaku surged into the box, his sliding shot 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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