Belgium started their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a stalemate against Egypt in their Group G opener in Seattle Stadium in USA on Tuesday.
Emam Ashour’s first-half opener for Egypt was cancelled out by Mohamed Hany’s own-goal as Belgium picked up a point to open their campaign.
Ashour stunned the Belgians with his first international goal as he set himself up for a shot on the edge of the area with a lovely first touch and fired in with expert perfection beyond the diving Belgian custodian to give the Pharaohs the lead, which they carried into the break.
Romelu Lukaku, who came in after the hour mark, made an impact with his menacing charge into the area as Hany turned the ball into his own net inadvertently to get the game back where it started.
Earlier in the day, FIFA World Cup debutant Cabo Verde earned a historic draw against Spain at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, taking their first-ever point in Group H and producing the tournament’s biggest early surprise.
Spain, who won the World Cup crown in 2010 South Africa, were widely expected to run riot against the first-timers, but an inspire performance from the Blue Sharks custodian saw the African nation spring a major surprise in the expanded FIFA flagship spectacle in USA, Mexico and Canada.
Despite Spain dominating the first half, Cabo Verde’s defence held firm, with goalkeeper Vozinha in outstanding form, repeatedly denying La Roja and clearing danger under heavy pressure. Spain came close when Ferran Torres clipped the bar after a header from Cucurella, but Cabo Verde survived.
Luis de la Fuente brought on Lamine Yamal after 70 minutes as Spain chased a winner, yet the breakthrough never came. The Blue Sharks held on to secure their first points at a FIFA World Cup in their debut appearance, scripting history with a resilient performance.
