Egypt take an early lead over Belgium in their 2026 World Cup Group G match, with midfielder Emam Ashour scoring from long range. Multiple reports describe the goal as a powerful strike from just outside the penalty area that beats Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and finds the bottom-left corner.
Belgium respond after going behind, and the match remains tight for much of the contest. In the second half, Belgium earn an equaliser after an own goal. As Romelu Lukaku is introduced, he draws defenders and pressure in the box, and a defensive intervention by Mohamed Hany results in the ball going past Egypt’s goalkeeper, Mostafa Shoubir.
As a result, the game ends 1-1. Egypt’s first-half performance is widely highlighted, with the Ashour strike described as the opener and a decisive moment that briefly places Egypt ahead before Belgium level shortly after the interval.
