Belgium and Egypt draw 1-1 in World Cup opener as Lukaku equalizes

Belgium and Egypt played to a 1-1 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match at Seattle Stadium on June 15, 2026. Emam Ashour gave Egypt an early lead in the first half, striking a low shot past Thibaut Courtois after receiving the ball near the edge of the box. Belgium leveled shortly after the hour mark when Romelu Lukaku, introduced as a substitute, headed a Thomas Meunier cross that forced Egypt’s Mohamed Hany to divert the ball into his own net. The result leaves Egypt still searching for their first-ever World Cup victory across four appearances, while Belgium’s veteran trio of Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois and Lukaku aim to add silverware to their golden generation’s resume before retirement. With upcoming Group G fixtures against Iran and New Zealand, Egypt will look to break that hoodoo, whereas Belgium hopes to build on the point to advance from the group. Will Egypt finally secure a World Cup win in their next matches, or will Belgium’s experienced core deliver the trophy their generation has long chased?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/06/15/belgium-salvage-draw-against-egypt-in-world-cup-opener/