Egypt were close to getting their first ever world cup win as their game against Belgium ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw at Lumen Field in Seattle, Yankee Scores reports.
Emam Ashour found the net in the 19th minute with a great shot from a distance for his first international goal set up by Mohamed Salah who was in an unfamiliar No 10 role. Salah celebrated his 34th birthday on Monday and his assist made him the second-oldest African player to set up a World Cup goal, after Roger Milla in 1990.
Belgium tried to get back into the game when Kevin De Bruyne hit the post with a free kick in the 53rd minute. The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute after Lukaku’s presence in the box forced an own goal by Mohamed Hany, helping the team secure a much needed 1-1 draw to salvage the match.
Romelu Lukaku subs on and forces Belgium’s equalizer in 23 seconds ⚡ pic.twitter.com/Cc63zwNNqm
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 15, 2026
The goal came in just 23 seconds after Lukaku was substituted into the game, per ESPN
Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir made a great save late in the game to deny Belgium a winner and both teams finished with a point each.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said after the game that Lukaku could not start due to fitness issues which is a concern for a team with bigger ambitions in this tournament.
Belgium haven’t won any of their last three games at the World Cup and also failed to advance past the group stage in the 2022 edition
On the other hand, Egypt’s 12-year wait for a first World Cup win continues
