Lukaku ruins Salah's birthday as Belgium deny Egypt their first World Cup win

Romelu Lukaku had not played much football over the past year due to injury troubles, but the veteran striker showed his value within minutes of coming off the bench as Belgium fought back against Egypt to secure a 1-1 draw in their FIFA World Cup Group G clash at Seattle Stadium on Tuesday.

Egypt were leading 1-0 and Belgium were desperately searching for an equaliser when coach Rudi Garcia turned to his all-time leading scorer in the 66th minute, replacing Charles De Ketelaere.

The impact was almost immediate.

Moments after entering the field, Lukaku squeezed between two Egyptian defenders and charged into the penalty area as Belgium built another attack. A cross was aimed towards him and although he failed to make contact by inches, the ball deflected off defender Mohamed Hany and found the net for an own goal, bringing Belgium level.

It was the kind of introduction Belgium had been hoping for. Until then, the Red Devils had thrown everything at Egypt's defence without reward.

Kevin De Bruyne came close in the 62nd minute when his right-footed effort from the centre of the box was saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. Several other Belgian attempts were blocked as Egypt defended resolutely, sensing a chance to secure a historic victory.

Though Egypt had featured in 3 FIFA World Cups and played 7 matches before the 2026 edition, they never managed to win a game. Their record includes 2 draws and 5 losses. And they were hoping to turn things around.

And the breakthrough they were hoping for came in the 20th minute through Emam Ashour, with Mohamed Salah providing the assist on his 34th birthday.

The Liverpool forward laid the ball off to Ashour just outside the penalty area and the midfielder responded with a powerful right-footed strike that flew beyond Thibaut Courtois and into the bottom corner.

Belgium responded by increasing the tempo, with De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Youri Tielemans leading a series of attacks. Tielemans came close in the 31st minute when he met a Timothy Castagne cross, but his header drifted wide.

Egypt nearly doubled their advantage two minutes later when Mostafa Zico cut in from the right and forced Courtois into a save.

The Belgian goalkeeper also played a crucial role after halftime. In the 55th minute, he produced an excellent save to keep out Salah's header, moments after De Bruyne had struck the post directly from a free kick.

However, it was Lukaku's presence that had changed the complexion of the match. Belgium suddenly had a focal point in attack and a striker capable of turning half-chances into opportunities. The 90-goal international continued to trouble Egypt's defence and saw another effort blocked in the 78th minute.

While Lukaku's arrival helped Belgium find their breakthrough, Courtois' saves ensured Egypt could not extend their lead. And now, Belgium had denied Egypt their hopes of securing a first World Cup win.