World Cup 2026: Belgium 1-1 Egypt Player Ratings

Egypt opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw against Belgium in Seattle, producing a disciplined display that showed they can compete with some of the tournament’s strongest teams.

The Pharaohs came within touching distance of a famous victory before Romelu Lukaku’s introduction changed the game and helped Belgium salvage a point in Group G, which also includes Iran and New Zealand.

Match Report

Few expected Egypt to trouble Belgium, but the North Africans delivered a resilient performance and struck first in the 19th minute. Mohamed Salah picked out Emam Ashour, who unleashed a powerful effort past the Belgian goalkeeper to score his first international goal and give Egypt a surprise lead.

Belgium dominated possession and created several chances before the break, but Egypt’s defensive organization frustrated the Europeans. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced key saves, while the back line stood firm under constant pressure.

The turning point arrived in the 66th minute when Romelu Lukaku came off the bench. Just moments later, his presence in the penalty area forced Mohamed Hany into an unfortunate own goal, bringing Belgium level. Both teams pushed for a winner during an entertaining closing period, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough.

Egypt Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Mostafa Shobeir – 7.4

Made several crucial saves and was one of Egypt’s most reliable performers throughout the match.

Defence

Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh – 6.8

Worked hard defensively and helped limit Belgium’s attacks down the flank.

Hamdi Fathy – 6.8

Solid in central defence and composed under pressure.

Yasser Ibrahim – 6.8

Delivered a disciplined performance and made important clearances.

Mohamed Hany – 6.1

Unfortunately scored the own goal that handed Belgium an equaliser, overshadowing an otherwise hardworking display.

Midfield

Mohannad Lasheen – 7.1

Excellent defensively and helped Egypt remain compact in midfield.

Marwan Attia – 6.3

Battled hard but picked up a booking and struggled at times against Belgium’s midfield.

Emam Ashour – 7.8

Egypt’s standout outfield player. Scored the opening goal and consistently threatened Belgium with his energy and movement.

Attack

Mohamed Salah – 6.9

Provided the assist for Ashour’s goal and remained Egypt’s main creative outlet before being substituted.

Mostafa Ziko – 6.1

Worked hard but found opportunities limited.

Omar Marmoush – 7.0

Led the line effectively and caused problems on the counterattack.

Substitutes

Rami Rabia – 6.8

Added stability after coming on.

Hamza Abdelkarim – 6.7

Provided fresh energy in midfield.

Karim Hafez – 6.6

Helped Egypt see out the closing stages.

Nuno Da Costa – 6.6

Worked hard after his introduction.

Ibrahim Adel – N/A

Came on too late to receive a rating.

Verdict

Ashour’s goal and Egypt’s defensive resilience earned a deserved point against one of Europe’s strongest teams. While the own goal prevented a famous victory, the Pharaohs can take great confidence into their remaining Group G matches.