Belgium vs Egypt Preview: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Injuries & Match Prediction | FIFA World Cup 2026 🇧🇪🇪🇬⚽

One of the most intriguing matches of the opening round at the FIFA World Cup 2026 takes place on Monday as Belgium and Egypt meet in Seattle. With Iran and New Zealand also in Group G, this fixture could play a huge role in deciding who finishes top of the group and secures the easier path into the knockout rounds.

It is also a battle between two global superstars. Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne will go head-to-head with Egypt icon Mohamed Salah in what promises to be one of the standout contests of Matchday 5.

🇧🇪 Belgium Team News

Belgium arrives at the World Cup unbeaten in qualifying and eager to erase the disappointment of their group-stage exit in Qatar four years ago. Under new head coach Rudi Garcia, the Red Devils have adopted a more attacking style while blending experienced leaders with emerging talent.

The good news for Belgium is that Jérémy Doku has recovered from a minor knock and is expected to be available. However, Romelu Lukaku is unlikely to start after an injury-disrupted club season, with Charles De Ketelaere tipped to lead the line. Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois are all expected to start.

Expected Belgium XI

Courtois; Meunier, Mechele, Ngoy, Castagne; Onana, Tielemans; Lukebakio, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere.

🇪🇬 Egypt Team News

Egypt returns to the World Cup determined to finally win its first-ever match at the finals. Head coach Hossam Hassan believes his side can compete with Belgium despite acknowledging the Red Devils' quality, insisting the Pharaohs have enough attacking talent to cause problems.

The spotlight will once again fall on Mohamed Salah, who celebrates his 34th birthday on matchday. The Liverpool legend has recovered from the hamstring issue that affected the end of his club season and is expected to start alongside Omar Marmoush and Trezeguet in attack. Egypt enters the opener with no major injury concerns.

Expected Egypt XI

El Shenawy; Hany, Abdelmonem, Hegazy, Hamdi; Elneny, Marwan Attia; Salah, Trezeguet, Marmoush; Mostafa Mohamed.

🔥 What to Expect

This promises to be a fascinating tactical battle.

Belgium will dominate possession through Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans, while Doku's pace on the wing could stretch Egypt's defensive shape. Garcia has urged his players to approach the match "like a final," knowing three points would provide a huge advantage in the race for first place.

Egypt, meanwhile, will likely defend compactly before breaking quickly through Salah and Marmoush. The pace and movement of the two Premier League stars could trouble Belgium whenever possession changes hands.

If Belgium scores early, the game could open up considerably. However, if Egypt remains organized and keeps Salah involved on the counterattack, the Pharaohs have every chance of frustrating one of Europe's strongest teams.

⭐ Players to Watch

1. ⭐ Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
2. ⚡ Jérémy Doku (Belgium)
3. 🎯 Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium)
4. 👑 Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
5. 🚀 Omar Marmoush (Egypt)

📊 Key Match Facts

1. 🏆 FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group G
2. 📍 Lumen Field, Seattle
3. 🇧🇪 Belgium reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 before finishing third.
4. 🇪🇬 Egypt has never won a match at the FIFA World Cup and is aiming to make history.
5. ⚽ Egypt won the most recent meeting between the nations, defeating Belgium 2-1 in a 2022 international friendly.

🔮 Prediction

Belgium enters the tournament with greater squad depth and more experience in major competitions, but Egypt possesses enough attacking quality to make life difficult through Salah and Marmoush.

Expect Belgium to control possession, while Egypt threatens on the break. It should be a competitive contest, but the Red Devils' midfield quality may ultimately prove decisive.

Prediction: 🇧🇪 Belgium win