Belgium begin their 2026 World Cup campaign looking to erase memories of their group stage exit in Qatar four years ago.
Despite having one of the most talented teams in international football over the past decade, the Red Devils have consistently failed on the biggest stage of all, with a third-place finish in 2018 remaining at the top of their golden generation.
Head coach Rudi Garcia comes into the tournament with high hopes after overseeing good results since qualifying.
Belgium topped their qualifying group with 18 points from eight games, scoring 29 goals and conceding just seven.
Egypt is returning to the World Cup for only the fourth time in its history and will be determined to do better than in 2018, when it lost all three group games.
Qualification was comfortable, and the Pharaohs were unbeaten during their CAF campaign and finished top of their division with 26 points.
Mohamed Salah remains the focus, although concerns over his fitness remain following a hamstring problem late in the domestic season. Omar Marmoush, Trezeguet and Zizo are expected to join the attack if Salah is not fully fit.
Interestingly, Egypt have enjoyed previous success against Belgium, winning three of the four meetings between the countries, including a 2-1 win in their most recent match in November 2022.
Belgium v Egypt Team News
Belgium are expected to field a strong side in their World Cup opener, with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois starting behind a defense likely to include Arthur Theate and Nathan Ngoy in central positions.
Aston Villa duo Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana are expected to feature in midfield, while Kevin De Bruyne will operate in a more advanced position behind striker Romelu Lukaku. Premier League youngsters Leandro Trossard and Jeremy Doku are both expected to start.
Egypt’s biggest concern surrounds Mohamed Salah, who is available despite an ongoing recovery from a hamstring problem. The Liverpool striker is expected to start but may not be fully fit.
Omar Marmoush, Trezeguet and Zizo should provide support in attack, while experienced goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy will captain the team.
Belgium v Egypt expected matches
Belgium predicted XI: Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Theater, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku.
Egypt predicted XI: El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Lashin, Fathy; Salah, Trezeguet, Zizo; Marmoush.
Where to watch Belgium v Egypt
Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 local time in Seattle on Monday, and 20:00 in the UK.
Live coverage will be available on ITV and STV, and streaming will be available on ITVX and STV Player. Fans can also choose to listen to the BBC or BBC Iplayer.
International streaming options will vary by region.
Belgium v Egypt statistics
- Belgium failed to progress to the group stage of the 2022 World Cup despite being among the pre-tournament favourites.
- The Red Devils scored 29 goals and conceded only seven during the World Cup qualifiers.
- Belgium have won three of their last four friendlies heading into the tournament.
- Egypt went undefeated in their CAF qualifying group.
- The Pharaohs only appeared in the final of the fourth World Cup.
- Egypt have won three of their last four games against Belgium.
- The last meeting between the teams ended 2-1 with Egypt winning in November 2022.
- Mohamed Salah remains Egypt’s biggest attacking threat but enters the tournament with a recent hamstring strain.
- Belgium have kept clean sheets in one of their last two matches.
- Romelu Lukaku is Belgium’s top scorer and will lead the attack.
Belgium v Egypt prediction
Belgium have a superior team on paper, but major tournaments often reveal their inability to convert talent into results.
Egypt are organized, experienced and have a strong history in this game, and Salah’s presence always gives them a chance.
A tough competition looks set to take place in Seattle, with the points shared at the end of what could be a crucial result for both countries in Group G.
Prediction: Belgium 1-1 Egypt
