Belgium 1–1 Egypt — World Cup 2026 Group G Match Report

Mohamed Salah. Even at 33, even in a World Cup group stage match, even against a Belgium side containing Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku — Mohamed Salah remains the decisive factor in any match Egypt play. His 57th-minute equaliser at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City was the goal of a player who lives for exactly these moments: a burst from deep, a shift onto his left foot, and a finish into the top corner that gave goalkeeper Koen Casteels absolutely no chance.

Belgium had led through Lukaku's first-half header. Egypt held on for a 1–1 draw. And Group G is now one of the most unpredictable in the tournament.

Belgium came into this match as heavy favourites. The Red Devils possess one of the deepest squads at this World Cup: De Bruyne orchestrating from midfield with his familiar ability to find the pass nobody else sees, Lukaku offering a physical presence that few international defences can handle, and Dodi Lukébakio and Leandro Trossard providing pace and width. Against a side like Egypt, a comfortable Belgium win seemed the most likely outcome.

Egypt had other ideas. Under their organised and tactically astute coach, the Pharaohs arrived in Kansas City with a clear gameplan: sit deep, deny De Bruyne space, and wait for Salah to create something from nothing.

The first half went largely to script. Belgium dominated possession, De Bruyne's characteristic ability to unlock defences with a single pass caused repeated problems, and the breakthrough came from exactly that source: De Bruyne's curling ball from the right found Romelu Lukaku arriving at the back post, and the Inter Milan striker's downward header was too powerful for goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawy. 1–0 Belgium at half-time.

Then came Salah. Egypt's tactical adjustment in the second half created the space he needed. Receiving the ball on the halfway line in the 57th minute, Salah turned his marker in an instant and set off on a run that left three Belgium defenders retreating. From 25 metres, he cut onto his left foot and struck a shot of outstanding quality into the top corner. The stadium — packed with Egyptian diaspora supporters who had come from across the United States — produced a noise that rivalled any crowd at this World Cup.

Belgium pushed hard for a winner. De Bruyne struck the crossbar in the 81st minute. Egypt held firm. One point each, and Group G — which also contains Iran and New Zealand — is now genuinely open.

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