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Belgium Tops Group G After Lukaku-Driven 1-1 Draw

6/16/2026

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Summary

Lukaku Equalises

Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 at Seattle Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Emam Ashour gave Egypt a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute after a Mohamed Salah assist.
Romelu Lukaku entered in the 66th minute, forcing Mohamed Hany into an own goal 22 seconds later to equalise.
The draw placed Belgium atop Group G, left Egypt second, and set Egypt to seek its first World Cup win against New Zealand.

Summary

Salah Turns 34

The Group G opener will air on FOX in the U.S., with Spanish on Telemundo, stream on Peacock, and free-trial on DIRECTV or FuboTV.
FanDuel odds list Belgium –165, Egypt +500, draw +290, and over/under 2.5 with the over –105.
The match, Belgium’s 15th and Egypt’s fourth World Cup appearance, sees right-winger Mohamed Salah turn 34 on match day, giving Belgium a chance to improve on its 2018 third-place finish.

History

Historical Context

Cameroon’s 1990 World Cup run—topping Group B after beating Argentina and reaching the quarter-finals as the first African side—sparked FIFA’s expansion of African slots. The 38-year-old Roger Milla’s two goals helped the Indomitable Lions become the continent’s most frequent qualifier, with eight appearances to date. Egypt’s 2026 group-stage draw with Belgium revives that breakthrough pressure.

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Lukaku Equalises

Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 at Seattle Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Emam Ashour gave Egypt a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute after a Mohamed Salah assist.
Romelu Lukaku entered in the 66th minute, forcing Mohamed Hany into an own goal 22 seconds later to equalise.
The draw placed Belgium atop Group G, left Egypt second, and set Egypt to seek its first World Cup win against New Zealand.

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