Belgium draw 1-1 with Egypt at World Cup

Belgium opened the World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Egypt in Group G at Seattle Stadium. Rudi Garcia was the Belgium coach for the match. The match took place in Seattle under 29 °C heat. Belgium had entered the tournament after a 0-2 loss to Croatia and a 5-0 win over Tunisia in recent friendlies. The recent friendlies contributed to a higher World Cup temperature for Belgium. Egypt dominated the first half, with captain Mohamed Salah leading the attacks. Emam Ashour scored after nineteen minutes, receiving a ball twenty metres from goal. Thibaut Courtois saved a close-range effort from Mostafa Ziko later in the half.

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Belgium improved in the second half, with Kevin De Bruyne missing a chance and later striking a free‑kick against the post. Thomas Meunier delivered a cross that Mohamed Hany redirected into his own net, equalising at sixty‑six minutes. Romelu Lukaku, introduced as a substitute, pressured the defense but did not score. In the closing stages Belgium pushed for a winner, with Brandon Mechele heading a potential goal that Mostafa Shobeir saved. Lukaku attempted a close-range header but missed the target.