Belgium and Egypt are set for a potentially decisive Group G showdown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday 15th June 2026, with both nations aiming to make the perfect start to their campaign at Seattle Stadium.
Belgium enter the tournament determined to erase the disappointment of their group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup. Despite boasting one of the most talented squads in international football over the past decade, the Red Devils have yet to translate their potential into major tournament success.
Under Rudi Garcia, Belgium secured qualification comfortably, finishing top of their qualifying group with 18 points from eight matches while scoring 29 goals and conceding only seven. Ranked ninth in the world, they will view a strong World Cup run as a realistic objective.
Egypt, meanwhile, arrive with confidence after an impressive qualification campaign. The Pharaohs topped their CAF qualifying group with 26 points and remained unbeaten throughout the process, highlighting their consistency on the road to the tournament.
The North Africans are appearing at only their fourth FIFA World Cup and will be hoping to improve significantly on their last appearance in 2018, when they finished bottom of their group after defeats to Uruguay, Russia and Saudi Arabia.
With Belgium targeting a return to the latter stages and Egypt eager to make history, Monday’s encounter could prove crucial in shaping the Group G standings from the very first round of matches.
Team News
Belgium shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois can be pencilled into the XI, and the Real Madrid star may be protected by centre-backs Arthur Theate and Nathan Ngoy.
Youri Tielemans enjoyed an excellent season in midfield for Aston Villa, and he will almost certainly be trusted in the middle of the pitch next to club teammate Amadou Onana.
Kevin De Bruyne’s performances for Napoli in 2025-26 were mixed, but he will still be stationed in the starting lineup as an attacking midfielder.
Egypt talisman Mohamed Salah was struggling with a hamstring injury towards the end of the 2025-26 season with Liverpool, and while he is able to play on Monday, he is reportedly still not fully fit.
The 33-year-old may therefore not be at his most mobile, so he will need other forwards like Trezeguet, Omar Marmoush and Zizo to do his running for him.
In the backline, expect to see a central pairing of Yasser Ibrahim and Ramy Rabia ahead of goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
Possible Lineups
Belgium possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Theate, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku
Egypt possible starting lineup:
El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Lashin, Fathy; Salah, Trezeguet, Zizo; Marmoush
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV stream |
| Kick-off Time | 20:00 (WAT) |
Match predictions
Softfootball Belgium 1-1 Egypt
There is no doubt that Belgium possess a more talented roster than their opponents, though it is impossible to ignore their history of underperformance at major tournaments.
