World Cup 2026: Lukaku comes off the bench and rescues Belgium against Egypt

Egypt dared to dream. For over half of their World Cup 2026 Group G opener against Belgium, the Pharaohs held the lead with a disciplined and spirited display that had a famous victory within touching distance. Then Rudi Garcia played his trump card. Romelu Lukaku did not need to find the net to change the game. The moment the powerful striker entered the pitch, the dynamics shifted. His very first run into the box drew two defenders toward him, creating chaos that resulted in an unfortunate own goal by an Egyptian defender. A cruel twist for Egypt, a lifeline for Belgium. Garcia's post-match comments captured the Lukaku effect perfectly: "Frankly, when you are the opponent and you see Romelu Lukaku entering the field, your confidence goes down and your anxiety increases." It is a reputation built over years of delivering in high-pressure moments for his national team, and even in a super-sub role, he remains Belgium's most decisive weapon. The draw keeps Belgium alive in what promises to be a tightly contested Group G. Egypt, despite the heartbreak, showed enough quality and fight to suggest they can still challenge for a place in the knockout rounds. Every point will matter from here. This match underlined a timeless tournament truth: squad depth wins World Cups. Lukaku's cameo was a masterclass in impact without a goal — proof that presence alone can be enough to shift the balance of power on the grandest stage.