Egypt Frustrate Belgium as Saudi Arabia Earn Valuable Draw Against Uruguay

The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered a memorable day for Arab football, with Egypt securing an impressive draw against Belgium and Saudi Arabia earning a valuable point against Uruguay in a series of eye-catching results.

Egypt Deny Belgium Victory

Egypt began their World Cup campaign on a positive note by holding Belgium to a 1-1 draw in Seattle as part of Group G action.

The Pharaohs made an excellent performance and troubled their highly rated opponents for long periods, coming close to acheiving the first World Cup victory in their history before an unfortunate own goal denied them all three points.

Egypt’s opener came following a well-worked move initiated by Mohamed Salah, whose precise pass found Emam Ashour on the edge of the penalty area. The Al Ahly midfielder fired a powerful low shot into the far corner beyond Thibaut Courtois in the 19th minute.

The goal gave Egypt a significant confidence boost, and they went on to create several opportunities that could have doubled their advantage, while Belgium struggled to break down the disciplined Egyptian defense.

In the second half, Belgium’s coach responded with a series of attacking substitutions in search of an equalizer. Substitute Romelu Lukaku quickly made his presence felt after entering the match. Moments later, he connected with a cross from Thomas Meunier, with the ball deflecting off defender Mohamed Hany and into the Egyptian net in the 66th minute.

Despite sustained Belgian pressure in the closing stages, Egypt held firm to secure a valuable point that strengthens their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds.

Al Owais Shines as Saudi Arabia Earn a Valuable Point

In Group H, Saudi Arabia held Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in an entertaining encounter at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Although Uruguay dominated possession and controlled much of the game, Saudi Arabia produced a disciplined defensive display and made the most of one of their opportunities to take the lead.

Abdulelah Al-Amri opened the scoring in the 41st minute, sending the Saudi supporters into celebration and giving the Green Falcons a halftime advantage.

Uruguay intensified their pressure after the break, but goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais delivered one of the finest performances of his international career. The Saudi shot-stopper made nine crucial saves and proved instrumental in preserving his side’s lead for much of the contest.

Despite his heroics, Uruguay eventually found a breakthrough when Maxi Araújo equalized in the 80th minute, ensuring the points were shared.

Saudi Arabia will next face Spain before concluding their group-stage campaign against Cape Verde.

Iran Overcome Difficult Circumstances to Earn a Point

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Iran fought back twice to secure a valuable 2-2 draw against New Zealand.

The match began poorly for the Iranians as Elijah Just opened the scoring for New Zealand in the seventh minute.

Iran gradually settled into the contest and levelled through Ramin Rezaeian in the 32nd minute.

Just restored New Zealand’s lead early in the second half by scoring his second goal of the match in the 54th minute, but Iran once again showed resilience and found an equalizer through Mohammad Mohebi ten minutes later.

Iran now face a difficult challenge against Belgium in their next group match before concluding the group stage with a highly anticipated encounter against Egypt.