Belgium and Egypt played to a 1–1 draw in their 2026 World Cup Group G opener.
Emam Ashour scored for Egypt in the 19th minute, while a Mohamed Hany own goal (forced by Romelu Lukaku) leveled the match for Belgium in the 66th minute.
Best Player:
Emam Ashour (Egypt) was highly influential, scoring a superb long-range goal and acted as threat in transition. Romelu Lukaku also earned praise for his immediate impact off the bench.
Worst Player:
Thibaut Courtois (Belgium) had a difficult match, struggling with his handling and positioning throughout the contest.
Mohamed Salah became the first African player in World Cup history (since 1966) to record a goal involvement on his birthday by assisting Ashour’s opener.
SPAIN vs CAPE VERDE: A MATCH OF STUNNING SURPRISE
In a stunning World Cup upset, newcomer Cape Verde held favorites Spain to a 0–0 draw. Spain controlled possession but lacked clinical finishing, while the "Blue Sharks" displayed heroic defensive organization.
Best Player:
-Vozinha (GK)
The 40-year-old was outstanding, making many world-class saves to secure the clean sheet.
-Flop of the Match:
Mikel Oyarzabal – Struggled seriously, failing to touch the ball for the first 31 minutes.
Mikel Oyarzabal became the first player on record since 1966 to play the first 30 minutes of a World Cup match without a single touch.
Cape Verde's 14 passes in the opposition half tied the lowest figure for any team in a World Cup half since 1966.