Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to salvage a point for Belgium as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G opener at Lumen Field in Seattle on 16 June 2026.
Egypt, appearing at their fourth World Cup but still searching for a first-ever victory at the tournament, came agonisingly close to a historic result. Emam Ashour’s superb 20th-minute strike, assisted by Mohamed Salah, had given the African side a well-deserved lead that they carried into the break.
Belgium, laboured and uninspired for much of the contest, were transformed within moments of Lukaku’s arrival. The veteran striker, on as a substitute, immediately applied pressure on Mohamed Hany, who turned the ball into his own net on 66 minutes to level the tie.
Egypt had looked the sharper side throughout the opening half, pressing Belgium’s midfield effectively and limiting Kevin De Bruyne to little influence. Ashour’s opener was a moment of real quality: collecting a pass from Salah on the edge of the box before driving a right-footed effort into the bottom corner past Thibaut Courtois.
Belgium had their chances, most notably when De Bruyne struck the post from a free-kick in the second half and then spurned a golden opportunity at close range. Lukaku himself should have won it late on, heading a Raskin cross over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
Salah, who turned 34 on the day of the match and was making his third World Cup appearance, was withdrawn on 76 minutes despite Egypt’s need for a result, with youngster Hamza Abdelkarim introduced in his place.
For Belgium, survivors of the golden generation were visible but not dominant. De Bruyne and Courtois were both below their best, while the team too often lacked the cohesion to break down a resolute Egyptian defence. Lukaku’s impact underlined what a threat he remains from the bench, though his missed header late on summed up Belgium’s mixed afternoon.
Egypt can take enormous pride from this performance. They were arguably the better team for large spells and came within a fortunate equaliser of claiming a result that would have been the greatest in their World Cup history.
Both sides now face the remainder of Group G knowing a point apiece is not enough to guarantee progression.
