Players of Egypt react after Emam Ashour's (C) score during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
SEATTLE, United States, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Egypt held Belgium to a 1-1 draw in their FIFA World Cup Group G opener on Monday.
Playing against one of Europe's traditional powerhouses, Egypt took the lead in the 19th minute when midfielder Emam Ashour fired home after being set up by captain Mohamed Salah for his first goal for the senior national team.
Belgium equalized in the 66th minute after pressure from substitute Romelu Lukaku forced Egypt defender Mohamed Hany to turn the ball into his own net.
Belgium enjoyed more possession, but Egypt remained dangerous on the counterattack through Salah and Omar Marmoush.
Iran and New Zealand will meet later on Monday in the other Group G fixture.
Belgium will face Iran in Los Angeles on June 21, while Egypt takes on New Zealand in Vancouver on the same day. ■
Mohanad Lashin (L) of Egypt and Leandro Trossard of Belgium compete during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Romelu Lukaku (R) of Belgium celebrates after his shoot that leads to an own goal of Egypt during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Leandro Trossard (C) of Belgium competes during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Romelu Lukaku (C) of Belgium competes during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Kevin De Bruyne (R, front) of Belgium competes during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Romelu Lukaku (L) of Belgium celebrates after his shoot that leads to an own goal of Egypt during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Romelu Lukaku of Belgium reacts during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Players of Egypt react after Emam Ashour's score during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Emam Ashour of Egypt (1st L) celebrates his score during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Emam Ashour of Egypt celebrates his score during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Players of Egypt react during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Photo by Arthur Dong/Xinhua)
Romelu Lukaku (L) and Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium react during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Photo by Arthur Dong/Xinhua)
Emam Ashour of Egypt (1st L) celebrates his score during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Emam Ashour of Egypt (2nd L) celebrates his score during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Emam Ashour of Egypt (L) celebrates his score during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Emam Ashour of Egypt (2nd R) reacts after scoring during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
Emam Ashour of Egypt (1st R) shoots to score during the group G match between Belgium and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
