Belgium will look to underline its reputation as Group G favorites when it opens its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Egypt in Seattle on Monday, but the Africans can take confidence from victory when the sides last met and will hope a disciplined game plan can frustrate one of Europe’s leading teams.
Belgium arrives in North America as one of the contenders to make deep in the tournament, despite being some distance from the generation that achieved a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup – the best result in the country’s history.
While Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois remain key figures, coach Rudi Garcia has overseen a gradual transition to a younger core led by Jeremy Doku, Amadou Onana and Charles De Ketelaere.
Belgium are expected to dominate possession while Egypt defend deep and try to break through Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
Egypt is making only its fourth World Cup appearance and remains in search of a first victory in the final after seven scoreless games in previous tournaments.
The Pharaohs will take encouragement from the last meeting between the sides, when they recorded a 2-1 win in a friendly in Kuwait in November 2022.
On paper, Belgium has more quality all over the pitch and expects to start its campaign with three points. However, Egypt have little to lose and will back themselves to frustrate their opponent long enough for Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to exploit the openings on the counter-attack.
(With input from agencies)
Published on June 15, 2026
