CAIRO, Egypt — On June 15, 2026, the dream of Egypt’s first-ever World Cup victory was dashed as the Pharaohs were held to a 1-1 draw by Belgium in a pulsating Group G match at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The historic encounter marked the first time the stadium, previously known as CenturyLink Field, hosted a FIFA World Cup game.
The match began with a dramatic turn of events as Egypt’s Emam Ashour scored a stunning goal in the 19th minute, sparking a surge of hope and pride among the home crowd.
However, the joy was fleeting as Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, who came on as a substitute, made an immediate impact just 22 seconds after entering the game. Lukaku forced an own-goal from Egypt’s Mohamed Hany, equalizing the score and turning the tide of the match.
The match was not just a historic occasion for Egypt but also for the stadium, which was hosting its first World Cup game.
The high level of anticipation was evident in the crowd, with Egyptian fans outshouting their Belgian counterparts before Ashour’s goal.
The draw leaves Egypt without their first World Cup win in their fourth appearance at the tournament.
The Pharaohs’search for their maiden victory continues, with their next match against Iran on June 20.
In the aftermath of the draw, Egyptian fans expressed their deep — seated pride and anticipation for a historic win. Belgium’s draw ensures they remain on course for their second consecutive appearance in the World Cup final.
The match was a testament to the quality and competitiveness of both teams, with Belgium’s coach, Rudi Garcia, praising the effort of his players.
The result leaves both teams with three points from their two matches, setting the stage for an exciting Group G showdown in the coming days.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
