Egypt earned a memorable 1-1 draw with Belgium in their Group G opener at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday 15 June 2026. Emam Ashour scored a stunning 19th-minute opener — his first international goal — to give Egypt their first-ever World Cup half-time lead in their history, before substitute Romelu Lukaku's arrival led to Mohamed Hany's crushing 66th-minute own goal. Mohamed Salah played centrally on his 34th birthday. (Al Jazeera)
Ashour's wonder goal lights up Seattle
Coach Hossam Hassan took a bold tactical call, deploying Salah centrally on his birthday to create overloads. With Egypt pressing high and well-organised, Emam Ashour received the ball 20 yards from goal in the 19th minute and unleashed a ferocious drive into the corner. His first goal for Egypt put the Pharaohs ahead and sent Arab fans worldwide into celebration. (Sky Sports)
Egypt's first-ever World Cup half-time lead
For the first time in their 92-year World Cup history, Egypt went into the dressing room at half-time with a lead against a European giant. Hassan's side were compact, disciplined and a genuine threat on the counter — a remarkable achievement against a Belgian side containing world-class talent. (France 24)
Lukaku's 20-second impact
Belgium sent on Romelu Lukaku in the 66th minute. Within exactly twenty seconds, the giant striker powered into the box to meet a Meunier cross, and Mohamed Hany — in an impossible position — could only poke the ball into his own net past keeper Mostafa Shoubir. A heartbreaking own goal cancelled a performance that had deserved all three points. (FIFA)
What this point means
Egypt wait over 92 years for their first World Cup win — but a point against Belgium is genuine progress. Salah's birthday performance was a masterclass in professionalism; Ashour's goal announced him to the world. Egypt sit on one point in Group G with two games remaining, very much alive for qualification. Follow every Pharaohs World Cup 2026 update at Malaab Al-An.