Egypt made an impressive start to their 2026 World Cup campaign by holding highly-rated Belgium to a 1-1 draw in their Group G opener on Monday.
Emam Ashour gave the Pharaohs a deserved 20th-minute lead with a brilliant long-range strike, but Belgium equalised in the 66th minute when Romelu Lukaku’s introduction forced an own goal by Mohamed Hany.
Coach Hossam Hassan expressed satisfaction with the performance, insisting his side are serious contenders rather than mere participants.
“We are definitely not here just to make up the numbers. The win was in our hands today,” Hassan said.
He praised captain Mohamed Salah and striker Omar Marmoush for their “ferocious” contributions.
“We have two of the best players in the world with us. They give us motivation,” Hassan added.
The result marks a strong beginning for Egypt, who are chasing their best-ever World Cup showing. They face New Zealand and Iran in their remaining group matches.
The draw was one of several in the early stages of the expanded tournament, underlining the competitive balance on display.
