2026 World Cup: Romelu Lukaku once again the saviour for Belgium

22 seconds is all Romelu Lukaku needed as a substitute to force an own goal, allowing Belgium to draw level in a hard-fought match against Egypt in Seattle on Monday night. The match finished 1-1.

Lukaku came on as a replacement for Charles De Ketelaere, who had not been able to fully establish himself as the deep striker, with Belgium 1-0 down to Emam Ashour's 20th-minute goal. Within seconds, Thomas Meunier made a good run down the right and Lukaku, darting into the penalty area, forced defender Mohamed Hany to turn the ball into his own net.

2026 World Cup: Belgium kick off with clash against Mo Salah’s Egypt

Following a successful pre-tournament build-up, Belgium face their World Cup opener on Monday evening at 21:00 Belgian time. They take on Egypt, their main rivals in the battle to top the group, at the Lumen Field in Seattle.

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Due to a serious injury, Lukaku has barely played for his club, Napoli, this season. The plan is to gradually give him more minutes, with the hope that he will be ready for a starting spot in the final match of the group stage or the second round. He is not expected to start Sunday's match against Iran.

In the other match in the same group, Iran and New Zealand drew 2-2.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Belgium's Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}