Lukaku's Late Heroics Earn Belgium a Draw Against Egypt in World Cup Opener

Egypt faced a heartbreaking end to their hopes for a first-ever World Cup victory, as Romelu Lukaku's immediate impact off the bench secured a 1-1 draw for Belgium in their Group G opener on October 15, 2026. In a thrilling encounter at Seattle Stadium, Emam Ashour's stunning 19th-minute opener put Egypt ahead, marking their first half-time lead in World Cup history. The goal, a remarkable strike from distance under the scorching Seattle sun, had the Pharaohs dreaming of a historic win. However, just 22 seconds after being substituted in the 66th minute, Lukaku forced a Mohamed Hany own goal from a cross by Thomas Meunier, leveling the match and denying Egypt their long-awaited victory. Key moments included: 20: GOAL! Ashour scores his first goal for Egypt. 33: SAVE! Thibaut Courtois denies Zico to keep Belgium in the game. 66: OWN GOAL! Lukaku's quick impact leads to the equalizer. Both teams showcased their star players, with Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah clashing in a battle of skill and experience. On his 34th birthday, Salah assisted Ashour's opener, becoming the first African player to record a World Cup goal involvement on his birthday since 1966. Despite a late resurgence, Belgium could not secure a win, with Mostafa Shobier making crucial saves, including a stunning denial of Brandon Mechele's header. Belgium's coach, Rudi Garcia, praised the squad's depth and highlighted the game's intensity against a formidable Egyptian side. Looking ahead, Belgium prepares to face Iran, while Egypt aims for their first World Cup win against New Zealand. The stage is set for an exciting continuation of the tournament.

Source: Sky Sports - 2026-06-15

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