Lukaku comes off the bench to rescue point for Belgium against Egypt in World Cup opener

Belgium and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw in their World Cup 2026 opener on Monday in Seattle. Emam Ashour put Egypt ahead early in the first half, but Romelu Lukaku, introduced after the hour mark, forced Mohamed Hany to score an own goal, securing a point for Belgium.

The result leaves both teams level on points at the top of Group G, ahead of the match between Iran and New Zealand. For Egypt, the seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, their wait for a first World Cup victory continues; this is their fourth appearance at the tournament.

Belgium, meanwhile, likely sees this tournament as the last chance for the remnants of their golden generation—including Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, and Lukaku—to improve on their third-place finish in Russia eight years ago and win a title.

De Bruyne created an early chance but dragged his effort wide. Ashour then stunned the crowd with a powerful strike past Courtois for his first international goal. In the second half, De Bruyne hit the post from a free kick, and Courtois saved a header from Mohamed Salah. Lukaku's introduction paid immediate dividends as his presence forced Hany into an own goal from Thomas Meunier's cross. Salah was substituted with 15 minutes left as Egypt held on for the draw.