Egypt held a 1-0 lead over Belgium during the first half of their 2026 World Cup Group G match, according to reports from EL PAÍS. The momentum shifted later in the contest when Romelu Lukaku entered the match for Belgium and forced an own goal, as reported by Telemundo New York.
- Match: Belgium vs. Egypt
- Competition: 2026 World Cup, Group G
- Key Moment: Romelu Lukaku’s substitution leading to an Egyptian own goal
- Early Score: Egypt 1-0 Belgium (First Half)
How Egypt Secured an Early Lead
Egypt controlled the opening stages of the Group G fixture, establishing a 1-0 advantage before the halftime whistle, according to live updates from EL PAÍS. The early lead put the Belgian side under immediate pressure in their opening phase of the tournament.
The Impact of Romelu Lukaku
Belgium altered their tactical approach by introducing Romelu Lukaku into the match. According to Telemundo New York, Lukaku’s presence on the field immediately impacted the Egyptian defense, leading to a sequence where he forced an own goal to change the scoreline.

World Cup 2026 Group G Context
This match serves as a critical early encounter in the group stages of the 2026 World Cup. According to ESPN Argentina, the result directly impacts the standings for Group G as teams compete for qualification into the knockout rounds.