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.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand also pulled off draws against the more favoured Belgium, Uruguay and Iran respectively

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.

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.

There are four World Cup games on the slate for Monday, June 15. Who will win each game? Microsoft Copilot AI makes its picks.

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.

New Barcelona signing Hamza Abdelkarim is ready to star at the FIFA World Cup, and could prove that he'll be the player to one day take the mantle from Mohamed Salah as Egypt's talisman.