Belgium secured a 1-1 draw against Egypt on Tuesday at Lumen Field in Seattle, a result that denied Egypt its first World Cup victory. The match was attended by a sold-out crowd of 66,775 spectators.

Egypt opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Emam Ashour netted his first international goal with a powerful right-footed shot that curled just inside the left post. Following the goal, Egypt adopted a defensive posture, largely retreating to protect their lead.

The Egyptian side nearly extended their advantage in the 65th minute when Mohamed Saleh found striker Omar Marmoush on a breakaway down the right wing. However, Marmoush mishit his attempt, sending the ball well over the crossbar despite having Belgian defenders closing in.

Shortly after, Romelu Lukaku entered the match off the bench in the 66th minute. Despite struggling with hamstring and hip injuries over the past year, Lukaku’s presence immediately altered the dynamic. Moments after his introduction, midfielder Youri Tielemans released a pass that sent Thomas Meunier charging down the right flank. Meunier delivered a cross toward Lukaku, who had positioned himself between two Egyptian defenders.

In an effort to intercept the ball and prevent a goal, Egypt’s Mohamed Hany inadvertently deflected Meunier’s cross into his own net, leveling the score. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir was unable to react in time to the deflected ball.

The match concluded without further scoring, allowing Belgium to escape with a draw while Egypt fell just short of their first-ever World Cup win.