Overview
- Belgium and Egypt drew 1–1 in their Group G opener in Seattle after Emam Ashour put Egypt ahead and an own goal by Mohamed Hany levelled for Belgium.
- Replay analysis showed the quick free-kick that led to Belgium’s equaliser was taken about 14–15 yards closer to goal than where the foul occurred, yet VAR did not intervene.
- Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett described the sequence as a "clear and obvious error" and told reporters the restart should have been retaken from the correct spot and the goal disallowed.
- Hackett said FIFA referees management will likely review the match and give operational guidance to the officials, but no formal FIFA statement or sanctions have been announced.
- The result leaves Group G tightly balanced with New Zealand and Iran also drawing 2–2 and underlines wider storylines for both teams: Egypt missed a chance for a first World Cup win and Belgium’s ageing 'golden generation' seek redemption in the remaining group games.