Belgium 1-1 Egypt: World Cup Report

FIFA World Cup 2026 | Group TBC | Lumen Field, Seattle

Belgium blew their chance to open with a win here on Monday evening, held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Egypt after Mohamed Hany equalised for the North Africans in the 66th minute. In a World Cup where home advantage matters, Domenico Tedesco's side dominated possession with 54% of the ball and 15 shots to Egypt's 14, yet couldn't capitalise when it counted most—a familiar failing for a Belgian squad that's never quite managed to turn talent into tournament silverware.

Belgium 1-1 Egypt World Cup — Quick Answer

Egypt struck first through Emam Ashour in the 19th minute after a blistering Mohamed Salah assist, but Belgium equalised through Mohamed Hany at the 66-minute mark. Despite Belgium's superior possession and shot count, neither side could find a winner in a competitive Group TBC encounter at Lumen Field.

The match was sewn tight from the opening whistle. Egypt's pressing was sharp—Marwan Attia and Ahmed Fatouh both booked early (13' and 34')—and when Salah cut Belgium apart on the left wing in the 19th, Ashour was alive to finish. Belgium's defence, anchored by Nathan Ngoy and Brandon Mechele, looked vulnerable to pace. Timothy Castagne, yellow-carded in the 14th minute, was particularly exposed down the right flank.

Tedesco reshuffled at the interval. Off came Amadou Onana and Timothy Castagne (56th), replaced by Maxim De Cuyper and Nicolas Raskin respectively. The tactical shift—adding defensive cover—worked. By the 66th minute, Hany fired home the leveller, though the exact circumstances remain hazy from here. What's clear is that Belgium's second-half pressure finally told, yet they couldn't break through again.

Kevin De Bruyne, still searching for that World Cup magic that's eluded him across three tournaments, departed in the 86th minute, replaced by Hans Vanaken. Jérémy Doku followed him off for Matías Fernández-Pardo. Romelu Lukaku, the super-sub, arrived in the 66th to try and shift the balance, but Egypt's rearguard—reinforced late on with fresh legs—held firm.

Man of the Match

Mohamed Salah — Created Egypt's opener with a left-wing delivery that caught Belgium napping, and his running threatened throughout. Even as fatigue crept in (replaced at 76'), he'd already done the damage.

Group TBC Standings Impact

This draw leaves both sides with a point apiece, but Belgium won't relish starting their campaign without a win. Their next fixture comes against Iran on Sunday 21 June—winnable on paper, though the pressure's now on. they, meanwhile, faces New Zealand on Monday 22 June and will fancy their chances of a second point.

What's Next

Belgium: Iran (Sunday 21 June) they: New Zealand (Monday 22 June)

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