Five Things We Learned From Belgium 1-1 Egypt

Five Things We Learned From Belgium 1-1 Egypt

Belgium were held to a 1-1 draw against Egypt in the opening match of Group G at the Seattle Stadium. Egypt struck first through a devastating striker from Emam Ashour, yet an own goal in the second half put Belgium back in the game.

Here are five things we learned from today's game.

1. Lukaku Is A Must

The presence of Romelu Lukaku has long been debated at club level football. Lukaku has played for some of the biggest teams in the world, yet he's never really been covered in glory.

For Belgium, it's a different story. Lukaku has 90 goals in 126 appearances for the Red Devils, and he is by far the nation's highest goalscorer. Now 33-years old, Lukaku is well and truly in the latter years of his career, but that doesn't warrant Rudi Garcia placing him on the bench. Lukaku proved that today by being instrumental in the equaliser, mounting pressure on the defender to force him into an own goal.

Lukaku is one of the last players left from Belgium's golden generation of the 2010s and has played in every major tournament for Belgium since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, if there's anyone who knows how to find the back of the net in that side, it's him.

2. Another Early Exit For Belgium?

Despite the fact Belgium were able to grab an equaliser in the game, the side did not at all look convincing. At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Belgium failed to make it out of the group, and in Euro 2024 they exited in the Round of 16.

A change in managers followed in 2025, with Rudi Garcia taking the helm. Now, with the golden generation firmly dismantled, Belgium are a shadow of their former selves.

Before the introduction of Lukaku into the game, Belgium were incredibly lackadaisical in their style of play. The group contains Iran, New Zealand, and Egypt, and there is plenty of time for things to change, but the early signs are not too convincing.

3. CAF Have Arrived

Today was a monumental day for CAF football, with two African teams earning points against two European sides currently placed in FIFA's top 10 rankings.

In the 48-team format, there is now a record 10 African teams in the competition, and while some haven't faired too well in their opening fixtures, the Pharaohs are making a compelling case.

Egypt are a strong side, and the seven-time African champions will look to progress to the knockout stages comfortably.

4. Group G Will Be Tight

Many predicted Belgium would start with a win, but the draw means every point could be crucial heading into the remaining matches against Iran and New Zealand.

For Egypt, they face and New Zealand and Iran next, and after a solid result against the Red Devils, their tails will most certainly be up. All eyes on Iran vs New Zealand.

5. A World Cup Of Shocks?

We think that now, more than ever before, it may be possible that a new team lifts the World Cup trophy.

Round 1 has brought us some fantastic fixtures thus far, we've seen upsets, we've seen domination, and we've seen the expected. Yet something feels different about this World Cup, something is in the air.

Keep your eyes pealed, we may have a new champion this time round.