Salah’s Birthday Goal Lifts Egypt Before Lukaku Rescues Belgium in 1-1 Draw

Belgium 1-1 Egypt | FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G | June 15, 2026 | Seattle

Mohamed Salah marked his 34th birthday with a World Cup assist, Emam Ashour scored the goal of the tournament so far, and Romelu Lukaku ruined it all within seconds of coming off the bench. Belgium and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw at Lumen Field in Seattle on Sunday that left both teams with questions and the entire world with a highlight reel.

Ashour’s Birthday Strike — Egypt’s First World Cup Lead at Half-Time

Salah, playing centrally in Hossam Hassan’s setup, set up Ashour with a pass of exceptional vision in the 19th minute. The midfielder — in his 30th international appearance without a goal — swept a first-time shot from 20 yards through Thomas Meunier’s legs and past Thibaut Courtois. Egypt had never led at halftime of a World Cup game before in their history.

Salah became the first African player since 1966 to register a World Cup goal involvement on his birthday.

Lukaku Off the Bench, Hany’s Own Goal Breaks Egyptian Hearts

Egypt held firm until the 66th minute. Lukaku, introduced by Roberto Martínez moments earlier, had been on the pitch for 22 seconds when Meunier’s cross caused chaos — and Mohamed Hany turned the ball into his own net under pressure. Belgium had their equaliser. The Pharaohs, who had defended magnificently, were denied a famous win.

Group G Standings After Matchday 1

Belgium and Egypt both sit on one point in Group G. With Belgium — featuring De Bruyne (35, likely his final World Cup), Courtois, and Lukaku — expected to improve, Egypt must be encouraged. They played one of the world’s top sides to a standstill for most of 90 minutes.