Belgium, ranked ninth in the world and unbeaten in their last 13 matches, open their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G campaign against Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday, 16 June 2026, with kick-off at 21:00 SAST. The Red Devils start as favourites, but Egypt arrive with Mohamed Salah and the motivation to end a long World Cup wait.
Match details
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | 2026 FIFA World Cup — Group G opener |
| Date & kick-off | Monday, 16 June 2026, 21:00 SAST |
| Venue | Lumen Field, Seattle, USA |
| Group | Group G |
Belgium’s new generation vs Egypt’s World Cup curse
Belgium arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a different shape to the golden generation that peaked in 2018. This is a squad in transition, but still one with enough quality, experience and attacking power to be taken seriously.
Their qualifying campaign was impressive. Belgium went unbeaten across eight matches, winning five and drawing three. Only Norway scored more goals in European qualifying, which underlines the attacking threat still available to the Red Devils.
Ranked ninth in the world, Belgium are one of the clear favourites to progress from Group G. This is also their 15th World Cup appearance, making them the European nation with the most tournament appearances without ever winning the title.
Their group-stage record is strong. Belgium have lost just one of their last 15 World Cup group-stage matches, and that consistency could matter in a group also featuring Iran and New Zealand.
Kevin De Bruyne remains the creative heartbeat of the team and is likely playing in his final World Cup. Alongside Romelu Lukaku, Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard, Belgium still have enough firepower to trouble any defence in the tournament.
Egypt, meanwhile, make their fourth World Cup appearance carrying an unwanted record: they have never won a match at the FIFA World Cup finals. Only Honduras have played more World Cup matches without registering a victory.
That record will be a major source of motivation. Egypt have long been one of Africa’s strongest football nations, but they have struggled to turn continental pedigree into World Cup results.
Mohamed Salah is the focal point of their attack. At 34, this is expected to be his final World Cup, and his quality, experience and leadership give Egypt their best chance of changing their World Cup story.
Team news and expected line-ups
Belgium are close to full strength. Kevin De Bruyne is expected to start after scoring in the final warm-up win over Tunisia, while Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana should continue their midfield partnership.
Jeremy Doku, who scored four goals in qualifying, is expected to start on the right flank, with Leandro Trossard on the opposite side. Romelu Lukaku leads the attack as Belgium’s all-time top scorer.
Charles De Ketelaere is expected to start on the bench despite scoring against Tunisia.
Belgium expected XI: Goalkeeper to be confirmed; right-back to be confirmed, centre-back to be confirmed, centre-back to be confirmed, left-back to be confirmed; Tielemans, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku.
Egypt will be led by Mohamed Salah, with Omar Marmoush and Trezeguet also fit and expected to start. Their attacking trio gives Egypt pace, experience and enough quality to trouble Belgium if space opens up.
The rest of Egypt’s starting XI is expected to remain close to the side that faced Brazil in their final pre-tournament friendly.
Egypt expected XI: Goalkeeper to be confirmed; right-back to be confirmed, centre-back to be confirmed, centre-back to be confirmed, left-back to be confirmed; central midfielder to be confirmed, central midfielder to be confirmed; Trezeguet, attacking midfielder to be confirmed, Marmoush; Salah.
Key stats
- Belgium are ranked ninth in the world.
- Belgium are making their 15th World Cup appearance.
- Belgium have the most World Cup appearances by a European nation yet to win the title.
- Belgium are unbeaten in their last 13 matches.
- Belgium’s recent form: W W D W W.
- Belgium beat Tunisia 5-0 in their final warm-up match.
- Belgium went unbeaten in qualifying, with five wins and three draws.
- Only Norway scored more goals than Belgium in European qualifying.
- Belgium have lost just one of their last 15 World Cup group-stage matches.
- Egypt are making their fourth World Cup appearance.
- Egypt have never won a World Cup finals match.
- Egypt’s recent form: L W D W L.
- Egypt lost 2-1 to Brazil in their final warm-up match.
- Egypt lead the all-time head-to-head record 3-1.
- Belgium and Egypt have never met at a World Cup.
- Group G features Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand.
Head-to-head
Egypt hold the advantage in the all-time head-to-head record, having won three of the four meetings between the sides.
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 18 November 2022 | Belgium 1-2 Egypt |
| 6 June 2018 | Belgium 3-0 Egypt |
| 9 February 2005 | Egypt 4-0 Belgium |
| 30 March 1999 | Belgium 0-1 Egypt |
All four matches were friendlies, so the record carries limited weight in a World Cup context. Belgium’s current squad quality, form and tournament experience make this a very different challenge for Egypt.
Current form
| Team | Last five matches |
|---|---|
| Belgium | W W D W W |
| Egypt | L W D W L |
Our prediction
Belgium’s head-to-head record against Egypt is the one statistical warning sign, but the context of those previous meetings is very different to a World Cup group-stage opener.
The current Belgian squad has a strong blend of experience and attacking quality. De Bruyne remains one of the best creators in world football, Lukaku brings power and finishing, while Doku and Trossard give Belgium pace, movement and variety in wide areas.
Egypt will not be passive. Salah is capable of producing decisive moments against any opponent, and Marmoush adds another dangerous attacking option. Egypt have also shown they can score regularly, so Belgium cannot afford to treat this as a straightforward opener.
Still, Belgium’s unbeaten run, group-stage pedigree and superior squad depth give them the edge. Egypt have enough quality to make this competitive, but Belgium should have the control and attacking threat to take the points.
Prediction: Belgium to win, with Egypt capable of making it uncomfortable.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Belgium vs Egypt kick off in South Africa?
Belgium vs Egypt kicks off at 21:00 SAST on Monday, 16 June 2026, at Lumen Field in Seattle, USA.
What is the Belgium vs Egypt head-to-head record?
Egypt lead the all-time head-to-head series 3-1 across four meetings, all of which were friendlies. Their most recent meeting was a 2-1 win for Egypt in November 2022.
Have Belgium and Egypt met at a World Cup before?
No. Belgium and Egypt have never previously met at a FIFA World Cup.
Has Egypt ever won a World Cup match?
No. Egypt have never won a match at the FIFA World Cup finals across their previous appearances.
What group are Belgium and Egypt in at World Cup 2026?
Belgium and Egypt are in Group G alongside Iran and New Zealand.
Who are Belgium’s key players at World Cup 2026?
Kevin De Bruyne is Belgium’s creative leader, while Romelu Lukaku leads the attack as the country’s all-time top scorer. Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard provide pace and attacking width.
Who is Egypt’s key player at World Cup 2026?
Mohamed Salah is Egypt’s most influential player and primary attacking threat. His experience, finishing and leadership give Egypt their best chance of a positive result.
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