Belgium face Egypt in Group G’s blockbuster opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Belgium come into this World Cup looking to avoid another shock group stage exit, whilst Egypt are making just their third appearance at the World Cup and seeking to escape this stage for the first time in their history.
Team News
Zeno Debast is unlikely to be available for Belgium in the group stage due to an ongoing leg injury.
Egypt have no fresh injury concerns to report.
When is Kick-Off?
Belgium meet Egypt at Lumen Field, Seattle, USA, at 12pm PDT on Monday 15 June , live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Belgium’s first World Cup meeting against Egypt.
- Egypt have won three of four previous meetings against Belgium in all competitions (W3, L1).
- Belgium have scored seven goals without conceding in their last two matches (W2), as they won 2-0 against Croatia then 5-0 against Tunisia.
- Ziko has scored in each of Egypt’s last two matches (W1, L1).
Prediction
Although Belgium are currently in a transitory period with a mix of ageing experienced stars and young players coming through, they will be pleased with how their warm-up friendlies went with no goals conceded and seven goals scored but this will be a tough test of their potential at this tournament.
Egypt meanwhile have a solid squad and finished fourth at Africa Cup of Nations so will fancy their chances of getting a result if can maximise their favoured clinical counter-attacking style, but they will need to be wary of Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne whose creativity will cause issues.
Although Belgium probably should scrape a win, I do think that Egypt have enough in them for a draw.
Prediction: Belgium 1-1 Egypt
Result: Belgium 1-1 Egypt