SEATTLE June 15, 2026 — Romelu Lukaku made an immediate impact just seconds after entering as a substitute, helping Belgium claw back to a 1-1 draw against a resilient Egypt side in their Group G opener at Lumen Field.
Egypt stunned the favored Red Devils with a spectacular opening goal in the 19th minute. Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box, assisted by captain Mohamed Salah, finding the top corner to give the Pharaohs a shock lead.
Belgium dominated possession and created chances through Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku, but Egypt’s compact defense held firm amid a physical first half that saw multiple yellow cards.
With the score still 1-0 early in the second half, Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco turned to his talisman. Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, entered around the 66th minute — and delivered almost instantly.
The equalizer came via a deflection or own goal off Egypt defender Mohamed Hany, credited officially as an own goal in the 66th minute, but Lukaku’s presence and positioning in the box were pivotal as the ball found its way in.
Lukaku celebrated passionately, pumping his fist while holding the match ball — a familiar sight for fans of the 32-year-old striker, who continues to prove his clutch value on the biggest stage despite starting on the bench.
The match remained tense afterward, with both sides pushing for a winner in what could be a crucial result in Group G (also featuring Iran and New Zealand). Belgium, ranked in the top 10 by FIFA and featuring stars like Thibaut Courtois and De Bruyne, will view this as a missed opportunity for a strong start, while Egypt can take immense pride from their performance against stronger opposition.
Key Stats (as of full time):
- Belgium 1-1 Egypt
- Goals: Emam Ashour (19′) — Egypt; Mohamed Hany (o.g. 66′) — Belgium
- Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle
This result highlights the competitive balance in the group and sets up intriguing fixtures ahead. Lukaku’s super-sub heroics once again underscore why he remains indispensable for the Red Devils.
About The Author
