Romelu Lukaku changes the game for Belgium but Egypt refuse to draw 1-1

Romelu Lukaku spared Belgium an embarrassing start to their 2026 World Cup campaign after the striker’s instant strike from the bench earned them a 1-1 draw against formidable Egypt in Group G at the Seattle Stadium on Monday.

The Napoli forward needed just 28 seconds to turn the game around after being introduced in the 66th minute and forcing an own goal from Mohamed Hany to cancel out Emam Ashour’s first-half opener.

While Belgium were relieved to walk away with a point, the result represented a missed opportunity for Egypt, who had long outplayed one of the tournament favorites to achieve one of the biggest results in a nation’s World Cup history within minutes.

2026 FIFA World Cup: Highlighting

EGYPT IMPRESS

Much of the pre-match focus was on Belgium’s star-studded squad, but Egypt proved to be the more cohesive and dangerous side for large parts of the contest.

Hossam Hassan’s decision to deploy Mohamed Salah through the middle proved effective Belgium tried to limit the movement of Egypt’s attacking players. Salah played a key role in the opening goal, weaving a pass into the path of Ashour, who fired a low effort past Thibaut Courtois for his first international goal in the 19th minute.

The advantage was fully deserved. Emam Ashour struck from outside to give Egypt an early lead. (Image: Reuters)

Egypt combined defensive discipline with attacking intent, frustrating Belgium’s wide players while limiting Kevin De Bruyne’s influence in advanced areas. Despite enjoying more possession, Belgium failed to register a shot on target in the opening half and lacked ideas against a well-rounded opponent.

LUKAKU TURNS THE TIDE

Belgium improved after the break but continued to struggle to convert pressure into clear cut opportunities.

Courtois kept his side in contention with important saves from Mostafa Zico and Salah as Egypt threatened to extend their lead on the counter-attack.

With Belgium’s attack lacking a focal point, Lukaku’s introduction changed the momentum immediately. Romelu Lukaku made an immediate impact for Belgium from the bench. (Image: Reuters)

Thomas Meunier’s cross into the box caused panic in the Egyptian penalty area and Hany, under pressure from Lukaku, deflected the ball into his own net less than half a minute after the striker entered the field.

The equalizer 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 in the closing stages, Egypt held firm to secure a point that could prove valuable in the race for qualification.

The draw leaves Belgium with a lot of work to do despite avoiding defeat. A side widely expected to contend in the tournament will be concerned by a performance that lacked creativity and urgency for more than an hour. Belgium are far from looking their best at the moment. (Image: Reuters)

Egypt, meanwhile, will take considerable confidence from a display that showed 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 much stronger statement than their opponents.

Egypt next face New Zealand, while Belgium take on Iran in their second Group G game on June 21.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

16 Jun 2026 02:51 IST