Belgium, Egypt draw 1-1 in first World Cup game in Seattle

Romelu Lukaku’s mere presence sparked an attack that led to Belgium’s lone goal only seconds after he entered as a second-half substitute, helping his team earn a 1-1 draw with Egypt on Monday at the World Cup.

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jun 15, 2026, 2:25 PM Updated: 2:31 pm

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Thibaut Courtois of Belgium concedes a goal to Emam Ashour of Egypt during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match in Seattle on June 15. (Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

(Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

SEATTLE (AP) — Romelu Lukaku’s mere presence sparked an attack that led to Belgium’s lone goal only seconds after he entered as a second-half substitute, helping his team earn a 1-1 draw with Egypt on Monday at the World Cup.

Egypt 1, Belgium 1: Stats

Lukaku came on in the 66th minute with Belgium trailing 1-0. He ran down the middle of the field and lurched to tap a cross from the right into the net, but Egypt defender Mohamed Hany did that instead, scoring an own-goal.

BELGIUM SCORES ITS FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🇧🇪

ROMELU LUKAKU SUBS ON FOR BELGIUM AND AN OWN GOAL HAPPENS INSTANTLY! pic.twitter.com/ykBKnjKOjx

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 15, 2026

The equalizing goal came only 23 seconds after Lukaku came on the field.

Emam Ashour had put the Egyptians ahead in the 19th minute with his first international goal.

Ashour, a midfielder who was playing in his 30th game for his country, took advantage of a defensive breakdown to give Egypt only its second lead in World Cup match. The Egyptians, who are playing in their fourth World Cup, still have never won a game at the tournament.

EGYPT HAS ITS FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🇪🇬

Emam Ashour makes it 1-0 over Belgium! pic.twitter.com/IKIhKzAbXJ

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 15, 2026

Belgium failed to advance past the group stage at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has not won any of its last three matches in the tournament.

Egypt had numerous chances to increase its lead but could not put the Red Devils away. Lukaku and teammate Kevin De Bruyne also had an abundance of opportunities to take the lead.