Thousands of Egyptian fans packed a public viewing zone in the New Administrative Capital on Monday to watch their national team open their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Belgium.
Footage shows supporters filling the stands, singing, dancing and waving Egyptian flags as they followed the action.
“Given the results of the pre-tournament friendly matches, the performance today was expected,” Egyptian fan Haitham Hussam said. “We squandered several easy chances to score today, but God willing we will win in the next fixtures against Iran and New Zealand.”
“The players were tough and performed well during the first half. We let a lot of easy opportunities slip away. Had we taken advantage of those opportunities; we would have led the group easily,” Egyptian fan Mahmoud Mohammed added.
Emam Ashour fired the Pharaohs ahead in the 19th minute with a spectacular strike, before Belgium equalised in the second half through Mohamed Hany’s own goal.
New Zealand and Iran drew 2-2 in the group’s other opening match, leaving all four teams on one point. Egypt next face New Zealand before taking on Iran in their final Group G fixture.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs until July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams.
Source: Viory
