World Cup 2026: Mohamed Hany own goal denies Egypt victory against Belgium in Group G opener

Egypt were left heartbroken on Monday night as a late own goal from Mohamed Hany denied the Pharaohs what would have been their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, forcing them to settle for a 1-1 draw against Belgium in their Group G opener at Lumen Field Stadium.

The North Africans produced an impressive performance for much of the contest and looked on course for a famous victory before misfortune struck in the second half.

🌎🍿 Egypt and Belgium share points!

Who’s been your Man of the Match? pic.twitter.com/LL53AgElYH

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2026

Belgium started brightly and nearly created an early opening in the 10th minute when Charles De Ketelaere slipped a pass into the box for Leandro Trossard. However, the Egyptian defence reacted quickly to snuff out the danger and clear the ball.

Egypt gradually settled into the game and began threatening on the counterattack. Ahmed Fatouh delivered a searching cross towards Omar Marmoush in the 15th minute, but Thibaut Courtois came off his line to gather comfortably.

The breakthrough arrived four minutes later. Mohamed Salah provided the inspiration, threading a precise pass into the path of Emam Ashour. The midfielder controlled the ball brilliantly before unleashing a powerful strike from the edge of the box that flew into the bottom left corner beyond Courtois to give Egypt a 1-0 lead.

Emam Ashour scores his first international goal in style with a BANGER to give Egypt the lead over Belgium 🚀🇪🇬 pic.twitter.com/3Q4CHiyytB

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 15, 2026

Egypt continued to look dangerous and almost doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute. Mostafa Ziko found space outside the penalty area and drove a superb effort towards the bottom corner, but Courtois produced an excellent two-handed save to push the ball behind for a corner.

The Pharaohs carried that momentum into the second half and came agonisingly close to extending their lead in the 48th minute. Mostafa Ziko saw his effort blocked inside the box before Omar Marmoush pounced on the rebound, only for another Belgian defender to throw himself in the way and preserve the deficit.

Belgium responded strongly and nearly found an equaliser in spectacular fashion in the 53rd minute. Kevin De Bruyne stepped up to take a free kick and curled a brilliant effort that beat the goalkeeper but crashed against the left post.

Egypt then squandered a golden opportunity to put the match beyond reach two minutes later. Mohamed Salah rose highest to meet a cross and directed a header towards the right post, but Courtois produced another crucial save. The rebound fell kindly to Emam Ashour, who somehow fired wide from a promising position.

With Belgium increasing the pressure, the equaliser finally arrived in unfortunate circumstances in the 66th minute after a number of substitutions.

A dangerous Belgian attack ended with Mohamed Hany inadvertently turning the ball into his own net, under pressure from substitute Romelu Lukaku, who had come on just a few seconds earlier.

𝐋𝐔𝐊𝐀𝐊𝐔 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐒 𝟐𝟐 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐒 🤯

He enters the pitch in the 66th minute and forces an own goal in that same minute âš¡

In the first half, Emam Ashour had put Egypt ahead. After scoring, he did the McGregor billionaire strut celebration, which we’ve also… pic.twitter.com/Q0eDu05UQm

— 433 (@433) June 15, 2026

While Egypt can take plenty of positives from a spirited display against one of Europe's strongest sides, the result will leave a sense of disappointment after coming so close to securing a landmark first World Cup victory.

Up next for the African giants, they will face off with New Zealand in their second group match on June 22.