It should have been the perfect birthday story. Mohamed Salah turned 34 on Monday afternoon, took to the field for Egypt's first World Cup appearance in Group G at Seattle Stadium, and spent the opening 65 minutes orchestrating the kind of performance that would have made him the most celebrated man in Egypt. The Pharaohs led. They were composed. They were winning. Then Romelu Lukaku came off the bench and, within 28 seconds of entering the pitch, changed everything. Belgium escaped with a 1-1 draw, but Egypt left Seattle knowing they had something very real here.
Salah Playing His Best Football on the Biggest Stage
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan made the bold call to play Salah through the centre rather than wide, and it worked from the opening whistle. Salah dragged Belgium's backline left and right, creating angles and pulling defenders out of position with the kind of movement that only the very best attackers in the world understand instinctively. Emam Ashour, given space because defenders were too busy watching Salah, stepped inside from 20 yards and hit a shot that flew into the top corner. It was a goal that silenced everyone in Seattle who had written Egypt off before kick-off. Hossam Hassan did not look surprised. He had believed all along.
Lukaku's Impact Was Instant and Brutal
Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco sent Romelu Lukaku on in the 66th minute with his side staring at a humbling defeat. What happened next was startling even by Lukaku's standards. Within half a minute of touching the ball, he had forced Egypt into an own goal — his physicality and directness completely undoing the defensive concentration Egypt had maintained for an hour. It was a cruel blow. Egypt had done so much right. Belgium, for all their technical quality, had been second-best for the better part of an hour. Kevin De Bruyne, playing in what will surely be his final World Cup at 34, looked frustrated and short of his best for long stretches.
Egypt Still Have a Real Chance of Qualifying
A point from a group that includes Belgium — ranked significantly higher in the world — is a foundation to build on. Egypt have not won a World Cup game since their one appearance in 1990, and their next fixtures will determine whether that drought finally ends. But the way Salah moved on that pitch, the composure with which they held their shape, and the genuine quality they showed in the final third suggest this is not a team just happy to be here. They mean business. If Salah stays fit, Belgium might look back on this draw as the point where things could have slipped away entirely.
Match facts: Belgium 1-1 Egypt | 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G | Seattle Stadium, Seattle, USA | 15 June 2026. Egypt goal: Emam Ashour (31'). Belgium goal: Own goal forced by Lukaku (66'). Lukaku: introduced 66th minute.
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