Belgium and Egypt played to a 1-1 draw in their Group G World Cup match on Tuesday in Seattle, with a late own goal by Egypt’s Mohamed Hany leveling the score. The goal came just 22 seconds after Romelu Lukaku entered the game, preventing Egypt from securing their first-ever World Cup victory.

Egypt took an early lead in the 19th minute through Emam Ashour, who scored from long range, beating Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The strike marked Ashour’s first international goal in his 28th appearance, with an assist credited to Mohamed Salah. Despite Egypt’s lack of World Cup success in previous tournaments, the Pharaohs displayed confidence and resilience throughout the match.

Belgium, the pre-match favorites, struggled to find rhythm in the first half as Egypt defended resolutely. Belgian winger Jeremy Doku and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne had chances but failed to test Egypt’s goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir, effectively. De Bruyne’s free-kick hit the post early in the second half, and Belgium’s attacking efforts remained largely subdued until Lukaku’s introduction in the 66th minute.

Shortly after coming on, Lukaku’s presence inside the box created pressure that led to Hany inadvertently deflecting a cross into his own net, ending Belgium’s 292-minute scoreless streak at the World Cup. Belgium nearly took the lead later, with Lukaku pressuring Egypt’s goal, but Shobeir produced several key saves to keep the match level.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia emphasized the importance of staying in the game and the impact of his substitute. “We managed to equalise thanks to a player who came off the bench — which shows just how important the whole squad is,” Garcia commented. He also noted the challenges of an opening World Cup match against “one of Africa’s top teams,” praising Egypt’s performance and acknowledging his side's missed opportunities.

Egypt substitute Hamza Abdelkarim expressed satisfaction with the team’s effort but stressed the group phase would be demanding. “We wanted three points and we gave it our all,” he said. “We know Belgium are a good team but we can’t say it will be our hardest game. Every game has to be three points.”

Both teams remain in contention to advance from Group G, which also includes Iran and New Zealand. The match featured key performances from several Premier League stars, including Belgium’s Lukaku and De Bruyne, and Egypt’s Salah, all of whom are yet to replicate their club successes on the international stage.