Belgium 1-1 Egypt - 2026 FIFA World Cup result as Romelu Lukaku plays influential role in fightback

Egypt’s search for a first World Cup finals victory continues after seeing Belgium battle back to rescue a 1-1 draw from their Group G opener.

Substitute Romelu Lukaku proved his doubters wrong and took just 22 seconds to force defender Mohamed Hany to deflect the ball into his own net, to deny Egypt and Mohamed Salah an historic win.

Egypt made a fine start and were rewarded for their pressure when Emam Ashour crashed home a 20th-minute opener.

Belgium looked on the ropes in the first half and Mostafa Ziko was only denied by the fingertips of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Kevin De Bruyne inspired the Belgium response and his curling second half free-kick was only denied by the width of a post.

Egypt remained dangerous on the break and Ashour had a glorious chance to double their lead but dragged his effort wide.

The introduction of Lukaku on 66 minutes provided the inspiration for Belgium to get back into the tie.

Within 22 seconds of coming on the striker put pressure on Hany from a floated cross and the Egyptian defender could only find his own net.

Belgium defender Brandon Mechele was denied a late winner by the fingertips of goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir, who matched his guided header.

Both teams will be confident of progression with New Zealand and Iran to play in their next two matches.

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Despite being returning to fitness following a hip injury Lukaku will steal the headlines for his role in Belgium’s equaliser.

The 33-year-old has played just five games in Serie A for Napoli this season. However, he still has the striker’s instinct.

It was a spirited display by Egypt who just failed to hold on. It was an inspired first-half performance but Belgium found a way back into the game.

The experienced heads of De Bruyne and Lukaku helped their side to an important point. Salah and Egypt will believe that they can beat New Zealand and Iran in their next two games.

The introduction of Lukaku swung the momentum back towards Belgium. It took him just 22 seconds to force an equaliser.

Trossard’s free-kick to the front post can only be flicked over by Mechele, who did his best with a poor set piece.

This could go either way and it could be a pulsating five minutes.

Zizo controls a long ball and then looks to skip back De Cuyper. The Belgium player collides with him but VAR and the referee judge that it’s a natural coming together. It could have been JUST outside the box.

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It’s a lovely floated ball into the box by Raskin straight onto the head of Lukaku. However, the marksman fails to get under the ball and can only guide it over.

Belgium have opted for fresh legs for one last push at victory.  Vanaken is on for De Bruyne; Doku is replaced by Fernandez-Pardo

There were questions over Lukaku’s fitness heading into this tournament. However, his presence has rocked the Egypt defence.

The Pharaohs still look good on the break, but Belgium will be favourites to find the winner.

It’s wave after wave of Belgium pressure. A freee-kick is only half-cleared and the return ball into the box is met by the clear head of defender Mechele who forces a fine flying save.

It’s that man again who has caused mayhem since his introduction. De Bruyne plays a lovely ball to Trossard who picks out the marksman. However, two Egypt players close him down quickly.

It’s a double change as Egypt look to protect their talisman for the tournament. Salah is replaced by teenager Abdelkarim. Meanwhile, Zizo comes on for Ziko

Just after coming on as a substitute De Cuyper refuses to let his marker past and tangles his legs.

It’s a lovely one-two between Meunier and Trossard. However, the final shot fails to make the play and under pressure Meunier’s effort is straight at the goalkeeper

Following a hydration break Egypt make a change. Goal scorer Ashour is replaced by Rabia.

Seconds after coming on Lukaku makes his mark. The striker gets between two defenders and meets Meunier’s cross just 22 seconds after coming on. Hany can only deflect the ball into his own net.

Lukaku claims it as his own goal, but it won’t be added to his tally.

The Belgium legend comes on for De Ketelaere.