Egyptian Player's Own Goal Saves Belgium From Defeat at the 2026 World Cup

Belgium National Team avoided defeat in their opening 2026 World Cup Group G fixture after drawing 1-1 against Egypt at Seattle Stadium, early Tuesday WIB. This result meant The Red Devils failed to open the tournament with a victory, while Egypt successfully claimed one critical point. 

Belgium took full control of the match from the very first minute. Rudi Garcia's side dominated ball possession, though Egypt defended with tight, disciplined organisation.

Belgium registered their first chance in the 7th minute, when Kevin De Bruyne struck a long range effort that drifted wide of Egypt's goal frame.

Despite being pinned under constant pressure, Egypt instead broke through to take the lead in the 19th minute. Mohamed Salah slid a through pass to Emam Ashour just outside the penalty area.

Left completely unmarked, Ashour fired a powerful low shot into the bottom left corner of Thibaut Courtois' net. The goal put Egypt 1-0 ahead. 

Trailing by one goal, Belgium ramped up their attacking intensity. However Egypt's defensive line continued to shut down every chance created by De Bruyne and his teammates.

At the other end, Egypt nearly doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute. Collecting a pass from Salah, Mostafa Zico unleashed a fierce strike on goal that was denied by a sharp save from Courtois. 

Belgium's final first half opportunity fell to Jeremy Doku, whose effort sailed high over the crossbar. 

After the restart, attacking runs from Mostafa Zico and Omar Marmoush were both blocked cleanly by The Red Devils' backline.

Belgium came agonisingly close to an equaliser in the 53rd minute, when Kevin De Bruyne's Free kick crashed against the outside of the goalpost.

Belgium's sustained pressure finally paid off in the 66th minute. Thomas Meunier delivered a cross into the penalty box, chased by substitute Romelu Lukaku who had only just entered the pitch from the bench.

Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany attempted to clear the delivery, but mistimed his intervention to score an own goal. The ball bounced into Egypt's own net, levelling the score at 1-1.

Once level, Belgium pushed forward even more aggressively searching for a late winner. Brandon Mechele's 83rd minute header was comfortably held by Egypt Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, while Lukaku's 87th minute headed attempt flew over the bar.

No further goals were registered before the final whistle, leaving Belgium forced to settle for a single shared point with Egypt.

Match Lineups

Belgium (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois; Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Timothy Castagne; Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans; Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard; Charles De Ketelaere.

Egypt (4-2-3-1): Mostafa Shobeir; Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Hamdi Fathy, Ahmed Fatouh; Mohanad Lasheen, Marwan Attia; Mohamed Salah, Emam Ashour, Mostafa Zico; Omar Marmoush.