Egypt held a 1-0 lead over Belgium at half-time in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G clash at Lumen Field in Seattle on 16 June 2026, courtesy of a superb strike from Emam Ashour.
The midfielder broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, latching onto a pass from Mohamed Salah on the edge of the box before firing a right-footed effort beyond Thibaut Courtois and into the bottom corner. It was Egypt’s only shot of the match, but proved decisive.
Egypt, chasing their first-ever World Cup victory at the fourth attempt, were the sharper side throughout the opening 45 minutes, closing down Belgium’s midfield and limiting Kevin De Bruyne to a single effort that drifted wide early on.
Belgium’s best opportunity came deep into stoppage time, when Doku fired over after good work from De Ketelaere, while Courtois was called into action again to deny Marmoush following an error from Ngoy.
Both sides picked up first-half bookings, with Castagne cautioned for fouling Salah and Attia shown a yellow card for a challenge on Ngoy.
With temperatures in Seattle approaching 30 degrees Celsius, Egypt’s compact shape and Salah’s influence in a central role have so far troubled a below-par Belgium side seeking a return to major tournament form.
