FIFA World Cup 2026: The Egyptian coach believes the Belgian game will be difficult in a highly competitive group

Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan considers the opening match of the World Cup against Belgium as the most difficult match in the “highly competitive” Group G.

Egypt lost 2-1 to five-time champions Brazil in Cleveland on Sunday in the final friendly before its fourth World Cup appearance.

Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes scored the opening goal from inside the penalty area early on, and Lyon striker Endrick added in the second half after an assist from Barcelona’s Raphinha. Zico scored for Egypt, while captain Mohamed Salah played the second half and appeared to be in good form.

“Salah underwent a rehabilitation program at Liverpool and then with the national team, and he is now ready to compete,” Hassan told reporters.

JUST AS IT HAPPENED

The seven-time African champions open his Group G campaign against Belgium on June 15 before taking on New Zealand and Iran.

“The opening match against Belgium at the World Cup will be extremely difficult, and the group is strong and very competitive,” said Hassan, who took part in the World Cup as a player in 1990.

Hassan expressed his disappointment after the defeat to Brazil, but emphasized that he was satisfied with the players’ performance despite the loss.

“I don’t like losing, and I’m saddened by the defeat to Brazil, even though they are one of the biggest teams in the world,” he said. “We faced a strong and excellent team in the last match before the World Cup.”

Published on June 7, 2026