Belgium came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Egypt in an entertaining Group G encounter, denying Mohamed Salah a winning start on his 34th birthday at the FIFA World Cup.
Egypt looked on course for a historic victory after Emam Ashour’s stunning first-half strike put the Pharaohs ahead in Seattle. However, Belgium responded in the second half, with the introduction of Romelu Lukaku proving decisive as pressure from the striker led to an unfortunate own goal by defender Mohamed Hany.
The result extends Egypt’s long wait for a first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, with the seven-time African champions still searching for a breakthrough win in their fourth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
Belgium, meanwhile, demonstrated the resilience of their experienced squad, which still features several members of the country’s celebrated golden generation, including Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, and Romelu Lukaku.
The Red Devils started brightly, with De Bruyne creating the first significant opportunity of the match when his effort narrowly missed the target. Despite Belgium’s early dominance, Egypt struck first through Ashour, whose powerful low drive beat Courtois and found the bottom corner to send Egyptian supporters into celebration.
The goal marked only the second time Egypt had taken the lead in a World Cup match, following Mohamed Salah’s goal against Saudi Arabia during the 2018 tournament.
Belgium intensified their search for an equaliser after the break. De Bruyne came agonisingly close when his well-struck free-kick crashed against the outside of the post, while Courtois produced an important save to deny Salah from close range.
With the game becoming increasingly open, Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia introduced Lukaku midway through the second half. The substitution immediately changed the momentum of the match as the striker’s movement and physical presence disrupted the Egyptian defence.
The equaliser arrived when Thomas Meunier delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, forcing Mohamed Hany into an own goal under pressure from Lukaku.
Egypt held firm during the closing stages after Salah was substituted with 15 minutes remaining, successfully preserving a valuable point against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
The draw leaves Group G finely balanced, with Egypt set to face Iran and New Zealand in their remaining group matches, while Belgium will seek their first victory as they continue their quest for a deep run in the tournament.
For Egypt, the performance offered encouragement despite missing out on a famous win, while Belgium will be relieved to have avoided an opening-day defeat thanks to their second-half resurgence.
