Belgium meet Egypt in World Cup opener in Seattle

Belgium face Egypt in Group G of the 2026 World Cup at Lumen Field in Seattle at 22:30, in a match that could shape the early standings in the section.

Rudi Garcia’s Belgium arrive with a mix of established names and younger talent. Romelu Lukaku’s return is the main headline for the Red Devils, while Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Youri Tielemans and Axel Witsel remain central to the team. Jeremy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere and Leandro Trossard also give Belgium pace and attacking variety.

Egypt are led by Hossam Hassan and lean on the experience of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. The squad also includes Trezeguet, Zizo and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, while Hamza Abdelkarim is among the younger players who could add something off the bench or in the starting line-up.

Belgium are expected to have more of the ball and set the tempo, but Egypt can threaten through quick transitions and the individual quality of Salah and Marmoush. The midfield battle, with De Bruyne, Amadou Onana and Tielemans up against Egypt’s energetic central players, may decide the game.