Egypt and Iran are two of the most repressive countries for gays and lesbians. But by sheer coincidence they will square off in a World Cup “Pride Match” in Seattle.

Belgium and Egypt played out a pulsating 1-1 draw in Seattle on Monday, June 15, kicking off the World Cup for both teams. Egypt took the lead in the 20th minute after Emam Ashour drilled a low shot in from the top of the box.

Relive all the action from Monday's World Cup matches, with features, news, video analysis and color from around the competition.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking over North America this summer and there's still time to see the action in person when New Zealand and Egypt meet on June 21 at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Egypt were expected to rely on moments of individual brilliance from Mohamed Salah or Omar Marmoush in their opening World Cup match against Belgium but it was Emam Ashour who seized the spotlight.

Visit Seattle calls the lighted display the first-ever drone scoreboard, and the destination marketing organization plans the activation for five more matches that will be played in Seattle.

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