Lukaku Sparks Belgium Comeback as They Hold Egypt to 1-1 Draw in World Cup Opener.

Belgium opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt in Seattle, as Romelu Lukaku made an immediate impact off the bench to rescue a point for his side.

Egypt looked on course for a landmark victory after Emam Ashour produced a standout finish to put his team ahead. The goal gave Egypt belief in a match where they showed sharp attacking intent and defensive organization, aiming to secure what would have been their first-ever World Cup win. Belgium, however, responded after a tactical change from the bench. Head coach Rudi Garcia introduced Lukaku in place of Charles De Ketelaere, and the substitution shifted the momentum almost instantly. Within seconds of his introduction, Lukaku applied pressure inside the box that forced Mohamed Hany into an unfortunate own goal, leveling the match and silencing Egypt’s celebrations. The Napoli striker remained central to Belgium’s attacking play after the equalizer, later going close with a chance that could have completed the turnaround. Despite his influence, Belgium were unable to find a winner as Egypt held firm in the closing stages. The result extends Egypt’s wait for a first World Cup victory, while Belgium will likely reflect on a mixed performance that improved significantly after Lukaku’s introduction. He is expected to be in contention for a starting role in their next group match against Iran on Sunday.