Belgium Stutter: Egypt Hold Them to a 1-1 Draw

Updated 17 June 2026.

Belgium vs Egypt at World Cup 2026 finished 1-1, a flat start for Belgium who needed an own goal to draw level after Emam Ashour had put Egypt ahead at Lumen Field. Mohamed Salah and Egypt will feel they more than matched one of the group’s fancied sides, and a point apiece kept Group G perfectly balanced after the opening round.

How Egypt held Belgium

Egypt struck first through Emam Ashour on 19 minutes and defended their lead with real organisation. Belgium, expected to win comfortably, laboured for a way through and could not find a clean route to goal. Their equaliser, when it came on 66 minutes, was fortunate: an own goal from Mohamed Hany rather than a moment of Belgian quality.

A draw flattered Belgium in many ways. Egypt, with Mohamed Salah a constant outlet, will be the happier of the two, having shown they can live with one of the group’s stronger names.

What it means for Group G

The draw was one of two in Group G on the day, leaving all four teams level on a single point after the opening round. Belgium have ground to make up; Egypt have belief. Track the group on our standings page.

What is next

Both sides return to Group G action, with kick-offs on our fixtures page and goals live on live scores. See the day’s full rundown in our World Cup 2026 June 15 round-up and the complete World Cup 2026 guide.

Frequently asked questions

What was the score in Belgium vs Egypt?

Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt in their World Cup 2026 Group G opener on 15 June at Lumen Field. Emam Ashour scored for Egypt (19′) and an own goal from Mohamed Hany (66′) levelled it for Belgium.

How did Belgium equalise against Egypt?

Belgium’s equaliser came from an own goal by Egypt’s Mohamed Hany on 66 minutes, rather than a Belgian goal, in a 1-1 draw that flattered the favourites.

Source: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G.