Egypt Held to 1-1 Draw After Late Own Goal Against Belgium

Egypt were left frustrated after conceding a late equaliser through an own goal, as their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G clash against Belgium ended in a 1-1 draw despite leading for much of the match.

The tightly contested encounter saw Belgium create the first clear chance in the 7th minute, when Kevin De Bruyne’s right-footed effort went narrowly wide of the left post.

Egypt, however, struck first in the 20th minute through Imam Ashour, who finished clinically from outside the box after being set up by Mohamed Salah. The 28-year-old midfielder marked his 30th international appearance with his first goal for the national team, beating Thibaut Courtois with a powerful strike despite the Belgian goalkeeper diving in the right direction.

Belgium responded strongly, creating several chances in the following 15 minutes, while Egypt also threatened on the counterattack. However, neither side managed to add to the score before halftime.

The second half began with more pressure from Belgium. Jeremy Doku missed a clear opportunity in the 46th minute, firing over the bar, while De Bruyne came close again in the 53rd minute with a dangerous free kick that struck the post.

Egypt nearly doubled their lead moments later when Salah’s header was saved by Courtois, followed by a missed rebound effort from Ashour.

Belgium finally found their equaliser in the 65th minute, just seconds after Romelu Lukaku came on as a substitute. The striker’s presence immediately caused problems inside the box, and in the scramble following a cross, Mohamed Hany inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure.

Both sides continued to push for a winner. In the 83rd minute, Courtois made a crucial save from another De Bruyne free kick, before Brenden Mechele’s follow-up header was also kept out.

Egypt appealed for a penalty in the 89th minute after a fall inside the box, but the referee waved play on.

In the end, neither side could find a breakthrough, and the match finished 1-1 — a result that felt more like missed opportunity for Egypt, who came within minutes of securing a famous victory.