Hany’s own goal spoils Salah’s birthday gift as Belgium beat Egypt.

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Mohamed Salah almost received the perfect 34th‑birthday gift for Egypt during the Pharaohs’ opening Group G match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Belgium in Seattle.

In the 66th minute, Mohamed Hany mis‑handled a low cross from Thomas Meunier under pressure from substitute Romelu Lukaku, sending the ball into his own net and giving Belgium a 1‑1 equaliser.

Egypt therefore remain in search of their first World Cup win since 1934, the year they first entered the tournament.

The Pharaohs took the lead in the 21st minute when Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour thundered a 20‑yard strike into the bottom corner past Thibaut Courtois, following a through ball from Salah.

Egypt were supported by a passionate fan base on the U.S. west coast.

After taking the lead, they almost doubled it before halftime when Mostafa Zico’s shot across the goal was tipped behind by Courtois. Salah also had a second‑half header saved by Courtois, and Ashour missed the rebound.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia brought on the all‑time leading scorer Lukaku in the 66th minute, and seconds later his presence unsettled Hany, leading to the error.

Earlier, Kevin de Bruyne had struck the outside of the post from a free‑kick as Belgium began to assert control.

The seven‑time African champions held on in the final minutes, avoiding defeat for only the third time in a World Cup.

Despite their record as seven‑time Africa Cup of Nations winners, Egypt have a poor record in their previous three World Cup appearances, having failed to win any of the eight matches played since their debut 92 years ago.

RESULTS

Côte d’Ivoire 1‑0 Ecuador

Sweden 5‑1 Tunisia

Spain 0‑0 Cape Verde

Belgium 1‑1 Egypt

*S Arabia – Uruguay

TODAY

Iran v New Zealand (2 am)

France v Senegal (8 pm)

Iraq v Norway (11 pm)