Ashour opens the scoring for Egypt against Belgium with a beautiful shot from outside the box at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Seattle Stadium witnesses an electrifying start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Egypt surprising powerful Belgium to open the scoring. Midfielder Ashour found the net in the 19th minute of the first half, putting the Egyptians 1-0 up. The group stage match is still underway, keeping fans in suspense as the clock ticks towards the opening half.

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Final Preparations in Seattle

The anticipation was palpable in the moments leading up to kickoff in Seattle. The two teams took to the field under the watchful eyes of millions of fans around the world, ready for their World Cup debut. Live broadcast of the match was guaranteed by TV Globo, sportv and ge tv, promising intense emotions from the first touch of the ball.

They are cooking so hard
Ashour is him pic.twitter.com/BkSK6et5Br

— TOUCHLINE•PULSE | X (@TouchlinePulseX) June 15, 2026

The last moments before the ball rolled brought a mix of anxiety and euphoria. The teams positioned themselves on the pitch, the national anthems echoed and the atmosphere of a great football event took over the environment. There were just 15 minutes left until kickoff, and the pre-game tension intensified by the second.

For Egypt, this game represented more than just a debut; it was the search for an unprecedented feat in the history of their participation in World Cups. This is the fourth time that the Egyptian team has competed in the tournament, and to date, the team has never managed to win a victory in the competition. Ashour’s goal, therefore, sparks hope of reversing this history.

With the teams already positioned and the referee ready, the clock ticked down to the end of the countdown. The ball was about to be moved, opening another exciting chapter in the biggest football tournament on the planet.

Start of the Match and Possession of the Ball

Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti Abel gave the signal, and the ball began to roll for Belgium and Egypt in the vibrant Seattle stadium. The first challenge for both teams in Group G of the 2026 World Cup had officially begun.

In the first two minutes of the game, the Egyptian team demonstrated a more patient stance, exchanging passes in the middle. The team looked for spaces in the opposing defense, maintaining greater possession of the ball and trying to control the pace of the match from the beginning.

Timeline: Key Moves of the First Half

Follow the main moments and events that marked the first quarter of the game between Belgium and Egypt, minute by minute:

• 05′ 1T – Belgian attempt stopped:Belgian striker Trossard executed a good pass at the edge of the opponent’s area, looking for a finishing opportunity. However, his subsequent shot exploded onto the Egyptian marking, which was well placed and attentive, removing the danger of scoring early.
• 06′ 1Q – De Bruyne narrowly missed:One of Belgium’s great stars, Kevin De Bruyne, received the ball freely at the edge of the box. The midfielder risked a dangerous shot that went very close to the Egyptian goalkeeper’s right post. It was a clear and important chance for the “Red Devils”, signaling the team’s offensive capacity.
• 08′ 1T – Belgian pressure in attack:After the first chance of danger, Belgium began to occupy the attacking field more intensely. The European team increased the pressure on Egypt’s ball, making it difficult for Egyptians to build their plays and seeking to regain possession quickly to create new opportunities.
• 10′ 1Q – Hany’s unsuccessful cross:Egyptian player Hany managed to advance through the baseline on the right side of the field. From there, he tried a cross towards the Belgium area. However, the Belgian defense showed good anticipation and managed to clear the danger before the ball reached any Egyptian attacker.
• 12′ 1T – First card of the match for Attia:Midfielder Marwan Attia, from the Egyptian national team, became the first player to be cautioned with a yellow card in the game. The punishment was applied by Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti Abel after a low foul committed by Attia on Ngoy, in midfield, interrupting a promising Belgian play.
• 14′ 1T – Castagne also receives yellow:In another moment of infraction, left-back Timothy Castagne, from Belgium, was warned with a yellow card. The foul was committed on Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian star, who was trying to launch a dangerous counterattack. Castagne’s action, although he stopped the play, resulted in the first warning for the Belgian team.
• 15′ 1T – Courtois anticipates the launch:Egyptian player Attia attempted a long, direct throw into the Belgium box, seeking to surprise the defense. However, experienced goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was attentive and advanced with precision, managing to keep the ball and thwart Egypt’s offensive intentions.
• 17′ 1T – Belgium dominates possession, but does not advance:Even with greater possession of the ball in the opening minutes, Belgium faced significant difficulties in penetrating the organized Egyptian defense. The African team appeared compact and well positioned, neutralizing Belgian infiltration attempts and maintaining defensive solidity.
• 19′ 1T – EGYPT GOAL! Ashour opens the scoring:The Egyptian fans erupted in celebration when Ashour scored the first goal of the match. The play started on the right side of the Egyptian attack, and Salah, with a precise reversal, found Ashour at the edge of the area. The number 8 had the calm to dominate and, with a beautiful shot into the right corner by Courtois, put Egypt ahead.
• 22′ 1T – Hydration break:With the heat and intensity of the game, the referee stopped the match for a brief technical stoppage, allowing the players to hydrate. At this moment, the score showed the Egyptian advantage 1-0, consolidating the surprise at the beginning of the confrontation.

Current Situation of the Confrontation

At the moment, Egypt maintains a minimum 1-0 lead over Belgium, thanks to Ashour’s beautiful goal. The match remains closely contested, with Belgium looking to recover and Egypt trying to consolidate its defense and, who knows, expand the score. The first half approaches 25 minutes, and the excitement continues to run high in Seattle, with both teams fighting intensely for victory in the FIFA World Cup. The game remains open and promises more moments of tension and great moves until the final whistle.