Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has spoken with measured optimism after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener at Seattle Stadium on Monday night.

Egypt's Emam Ashour broke the deadlock in the 19th minute with a composed finish, collecting a pass from Mohamed Salah before drilling the ball through the legs of Thomas Meunier and past a diving Thibaut Courtois. It was the Al Ahly midfielder's first international goal, and he was later named Man of the Match.

The Pharaohs carried that slender advantage into half-time, and for long stretches of the second half it looked as though Egypt might secure a historic first-ever World Cup victory. Belgium, however, pulled level in the 66th minute when Mohamed Hany turned the ball into his own net, denying Egypt that landmark result.

Garcia's measured take

Speaking to FIFA.com after the final whistle, Garcia refused to dwell on the dropped points and instead focused on the character his squad had shown.