Own Goal Denies Egypt Historic First World Cup Win as Belgium Snatch Draw

Egypt were on the verge of their first ever World Cup victory before a second-half own goal allowed Belgium to rescue a 1-1 draw in their Group G opener in Seattle.

The Pharaohs looked set to make history after Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour gave them the lead in the 21st minute, driving a crisp 20-yard strike into the bottom corner past Thibaut Courtois. Egypt had never won a World Cup game across eight previous attempts dating back to their debut in 1934, and for long stretches it looked like that record was about to change.

But Belgium pulled level in the 66th minute when Thomas Meunier's low cross was turned into his own net by Egypt defender Mohamed Hany, with substitute Romelu Lukaku applying the pressure that forced the error. Manager Rudi Garcia had sent Lukaku on just seconds before the equaliser, and the Belgium all-time leading scorer made an instant impact without even touching the ball.

Egypt had come close to doubling their lead before the break. Mostafa Zico drove a low effort across goal that Courtois had to tip around the post, and captain Mohamed Salah, playing on his 34th birthday, saw a second-half header well saved by the same keeper. Goalscorer Ashour could not convert the rebound.

Belgium improved as the game wore on and Kevin De Bruyne struck the outside of the post from a free-kick shortly before the equaliser as the Red Devils began to take control. Lukaku, who had been limited to just 40 minutes of Serie A football for Napoli across the entire 2025-26 season due to hamstring trouble, showed enough in his brief cameo to remind everyone what Belgium had been missing.

Egypt, seven-time winners of the Africa Cup of Nations, have a poor record at the World Cup despite their continental dominance. They have now gone eight games without a win at the tournament, though the draw means they have avoided defeat at a World Cup for only the third time in their history.

🌎🇪🇬 Emam Ashour, FIFA Man of the Match for Egypt against Belgium. pic.twitter.com/PaIGE0sABU

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2026

Both teams will be eager to bounce back quickly. Belgium face Iran in Los Angeles on Sunday, while Egypt take on New Zealand in Vancouver in the early hours of Monday morning.