2026 World Cup: Own Goal Denies Egypt Victory Over Belgium in 1-1 Draw

Egypt were left to rue missed opportunities after Belgium fought back to secure a 1-1 draw in a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G encounter at Seattle Stadium on Monday.

The Pharaohs looked on course for a famous victory after Emam Ashour’s stunning first-half strike gave them a deserved lead, but a second-half own goal by Mohamed Hany ensured both sides shared the spoils.

Played in sweltering 30-degree heat, the match began with high intensity as both teams attempted to assert control early on. However, clear-cut chances were limited in the opening stages, with Egypt maintaining a compact defensive shape that frustrated Belgium’s attacking rhythm.

Egypt broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Mohamed Salah unlocked the Belgian defence with a clever pass to Ashour. The midfielder calmly struck from distance, sending a powerful right-footed effort beyond Thibaut Courtois and into the bottom corner.

Belgium responded by increasing their attacking pressure, with Jérémy Doku becoming more involved, but the European side struggled to find fluency in the final third. Their frustration was evident as stoppage-time efforts failed to trouble Egypt significantly before halftime.

After the restart, Egypt almost doubled their advantage following a chaotic goalmouth scramble, but Belgium survived. Kevin De Bruyne then came close to equalising with a free-kick that struck the woodwork, signalling a shift in momentum.

Belgium’s pressure eventually paid off in the 68th minute when a dangerous cross into the box resulted in Mohamed Hany diverting the ball into his own net under pressure, restoring parity for the Red Devils.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced into key saves late in the match, including a crucial stop from Salah and a rebound attempt by Ashour, as Egypt pushed for a winner.

Omar Marmoush remained a constant threat on the counterattack, but Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy made a vital interception to deny another clear scoring opportunity.

Despite late pressure from both sides, neither team could find a decisive goal as the match ended level. The result leaves Group G finely balanced after the opening round of fixtures, with all four teams still level on points.