Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has reflected on his team’s opening fixture against Egypt at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Completesports.com reports.
Garcia’s side held the Pharaohs to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling encounter at the Seattle Stadium on Monday night.
Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead with a sublime finish in the 19th minute.
Ashour, who was named Man of the Match, collected a pass from Mohamed Salah, and fired a shot through the legs of Thomas Meunier, and past a diving Thibaut Courtois to send Egypt to the break with a slender lead.
It was the 28-year-old’s first international goal for the multiple African champions.
Belgium drew level in the 66th minute through Mohamed Hany’s own goal, denying Egypt a historic first-ever World Cup victory.
Garcia Thumbs Up Draw With Egypt
Garcia took positives from the draw, and expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance.
“The opening match of a competition like the World Cup is always a tough one, especially against one of Africa’s top teams like Egypt,” Garcia told FIFA.com.
“The important thing is that we stayed in the game. We managed to equalise thanks to a player who came off the bench, which shows just how important the whole squad is. It was a great game between two very good teams.”
Belgium will take on Iran in their next game at the Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday, 21 June.
By Adeboye Amosu
