World Cup debutants Cape Verde pulled off one of the tournament's biggest shocks, holding European champions Spain to a stunning 0-0 draw. Romelu Lukaku needed just 23 seconds to make an impact on Belgium’s World Cup opener.

Egypt's bid for a first World Cup win was thwarted by Belgium. Emam Ashour scored early for Egypt. Romelu Lukaku came on and immediately forced an own goal to level the score. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

The weather, the new, temporary grass pitch, the just-about-packed stadium, scenes outside Lumen Field make a hugely successful match day 1.

Belgium were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against a spirited Egyptian side in their opening Group G encounter at the 2026 World Cup, with substitute Romelu

The Belgium manager Rudi Garcia did not mince his words when he was asked about Romelu Lukaku’s fitness heading into the striker’s fourth World Cup. “He’s out of shape,” said Garcia, before explaining why he would be selecting the former Chelsea and Manchester United forward regardless.

Egypt were denied a first-ever World Cup win after Romelu Lukaku forced an own-goal equaliser just seconds after coming on to rescue a 1-1 draw for Belgium in their Group G opener.