Egypt Draws 1-1 With Belgium in FIFA World Cup 2026 Opener
Emam Ashour scored for Egypt in the 19th minute before Mohamed Hany's own goal leveled the score in Seattle. The result leaves Egypt with four points to play for in Group G.
nypost.comEgypt held Belgium to a 1-1 draw in its opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match in Seattle on Monday. Emam Ashour gave the Pharaohs the lead in the 19th minute after receiving a pass from captain Mohamed Salah and striking from distance past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into the bottom corner. Mohamed Salah produced a downward header shortly after halftime that forced a save from Courtois.
Omar Marmoush also threatened after a run through the Belgian defense. Belgium equalized in the 66th minute when Mohamed Hany turned a cross into his own net shortly after Romelu Lukaku entered the match. Mostafa Shobeir preserved the draw with an outstanding late save to deny Brandon Mechele.
Egypt is a seven-time African champion. Belgium is ranked among the elite of world football. The match marked Egypt's first Group G encounter at the tournament. Egypt's next FIFA World Cup 2026 match is against New Zealand on Monday, 22 June at 01:00 GMT.
AllAfrica reported the result.
