Romelu Lukaku spared Belgium from an embarrassing start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign after the striker’s immediate impact off the bench earned a 1-1 draw against an impressive Egypt in Group G at Seattle Stadium on Monday.
The Napoli forward needed just 28 seconds to alter the course of the contest after being introduced in the 66th minute, forcing an own goal from Mohamed Hany that cancelled out Emam Ashour’s first-half opener.
While Belgium will be relieved to leave with a point, the result represented a missed opportunity for Egypt, who outplayed one of the tournament favourites for long stretches and came within minutes of securing one of the biggest results in the nation’s World Cup history.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights
EGYPT IMPRESS
Much of the pre-match focus centred on Belgium’s star-studded squad, but Egypt emerged as the more cohesive and dangerous side throughout large parts of the contest.
Hossam Hassan’s decision to deploy Mohamed Salah through the middle proved effective as Belgium struggled to contain the movement of Egypt’s attacking players. Salah played a key role in the opening goal, threading a pass into the path of Ashour, who fired a low effort beyond Thibaut Courtois in the 19th minute for his first international goal.
The advantage was thoroughly deserved.
Egypt combined defensive discipline with attacking intent, frustrating Belgium’s wide players while limiting the influence of Kevin De Bruyne in advanced areas. Despite enjoying more possession, Belgium failed to register a shot on target in the opening half and looked short of ideas against a well-drilled opponent.
LUKAKU TURNS TIDE
Belgium improved after the interval but continued to struggle to convert pressure into clear opportunities.
Courtois kept his side in contention with important saves from Mostafa Zico and Salah as Egypt threatened to extend their lead on the counterattack.
With Belgium’s attack lacking a focal point, the introduction of Lukaku changed the dynamic instantly.
Thomas Meunier’s delivery into the box caused panic inside the Egyptian penalty area and, under pressure from Lukaku, Hany diverted the ball into his own net less than half a minute after the striker entered the pitch.
The equaliser finally gave Belgium momentum and highlighted the importance of Lukaku’s physical presence, which had been absent for much of the match.
QUESTIONS REMAIN
Although Belgium pushed for a winner during the closing stages, Egypt held firm to secure a point that could prove valuable in the race for qualification.
The draw leaves Belgium with work to do despite avoiding defeat. For a side widely expected to challenge deep into the tournament, there will be concerns over a performance that lacked creativity and urgency for more than an hour.
Egypt, meanwhile, will take considerable confidence from a display that demonstrated they are capable of competing with the strongest teams in the group. The Pharaohs may have been denied a famous victory, but they left Seattle having made a far stronger statement than their opponents.
Egypt next face New Zealand, while Belgium take on Iran in their second Group G fixture on June 21.
– Ends
