Egypt’s Emam Ashour scores a long-range opener as Egypt play Belgium in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match. Multiple outlets describe the goal as a powerful effort from just outside the penalty area that travels toward the bottom-left corner, beating Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Egypt take the lead after Ashour’s strike, with the moment framed as a key breakthrough in the game.
In the same Group G opener, Egypt later fail to hold the advantage. After the match resumes, Belgium respond and a second-half own goal levels the score at 1-1. The own goal comes when Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku creates pressure in the area shortly after entering the match; it results in Mohamed Hany inadvertently poking the ball past Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir. With Belgium salvaging the draw, both teams finish level.
Overall, sources agree the standout early event is Ashour’s goal and that Egypt’s lead is overturned by Belgium’s late equaliser via an own goal, leaving the game tied rather than producing a decisive result.
