World Cup 2026: Belgium vs Egypt – Preview, team news, key facts and kick-off time

Egypt will face one of their toughest tests of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage when they take on Belgium in a highly anticipated Group G clash in Seattle on Monday.

The Pharaohs arrive at the tournament determined to make history and finally register their first-ever World Cup victory, while Belgium are looking to erase the disappointment of their early exit from the 2022 tournament and make a strong start to their latest campaign.

Egypt Chasing a Historic Breakthrough

This tournament marks Egypt's fourth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and their second qualification in three tournaments, underlining the progress made by the national team in recent years.

The Pharaohs will be eager to improve on their disappointing 2018 campaign, when they finished bottom of their group after defeats to Uruguay, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Encouragingly, Egypt reached the 2026 World Cup through an unbeaten qualifying campaign. Hossam Hassan's side topped their CAF qualifying group with 26 points and did not suffer a single defeat in ten matches.

The North Africans also arrive with a strong defensive foundation, having kept clean sheets in four of their last five matches. Their only setback during that run came in a narrow 2-1 defeat to Brazil.

Despite those positives, history remains a challenge. Egypt have never won a match at the World Cup and have played seven games at the finals without tasting victory. Only Honduras have appeared in more World Cup matches without recording a win.

Salah Leads Egypt's Hopes

Much of Egypt's hopes will once again rest on the shoulders of Mohamed Salah.

The Liverpool forward enters the tournament on the verge of another milestone, sitting just two goals shy of Egypt's all-time scoring record. Salah was directly involved in 60 per cent of Egypt's goals during qualification, scoring nine times and providing three assists.

Alongside Salah, Omar Marmoush, Trezeguet and Zizo are expected to provide attacking support as Egypt look to challenge one of Europe's strongest squads.

Manager Hossam Hassan, Egypt's all-time leading scorer, will also hope his experience and understanding of the national team can help guide the Pharaohs through a difficult group-stage challenge.

Belgium Seeking Redemption

Belgium arrive in the United States with a point to prove after their disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup.

The Red Devils won their opening match against Canada in Qatar but failed to score against either Croatia or Morocco, resulting in an early elimination that marked another missed opportunity for a talented generation of players.

Under Rudi Garcia, Belgium have rebuilt momentum. They qualified unbeaten for the tournament, securing five wins and three draws while scoring 29 goals, the second-highest total in UEFA qualifying.

Their recent form has been particularly impressive. Belgium are unbeaten in 13 matches across all competitions and recorded convincing victories over Croatia and Tunisia in their final warm-up fixtures, scoring seven unanswered goals across those two games.

Head-to-Head History Favours Egypt

Interestingly, Egypt hold the advantage in previous meetings between the two nations.

The Pharaohs have won three of the four encounters between the sides, losing only once. Their most recent meeting came shortly before the 2022 World Cup, when Egypt secured a 2-1 victory.

Monday's clash will, however, be the first time the two countries have met at a major international tournament.

Team News

Egypt have no fresh injury concerns heading into the contest and are expected to field a full-strength side.

Mohamed El Shenawy is likely to start in goal behind a defence featuring Mohamed Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia and Fatouh. Salah, Trezeguet and Zizo are expected to support Omar Marmoush in attack.

Belgium have only one notable absentee, with Zeno Debast still recovering from a leg injury suffered in May.

Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard are all expected to start as Belgium look to make a statement in their opening fixture.

Possible Starting Lineups

Egypt: El Shenawy, Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Lashin, Fathy; Salah, Trezeguet, Zizo; Marmoush.

Belgium: Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Theate, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku.

Players to Watch

Mohamed Salah will be Egypt's main threat after contributing 12 goal involvements during qualification and moving within touching distance of the national scoring record.

For Belgium, Jérémy Doku enters the tournament in excellent form after contributing seven goals and assists during qualification. No European player created more chances from open play than the Manchester City winger.

Match Details

The Group G encounter between Egypt and Belgium will take place on Monday in Seattle, with the kick-off set at 19:00GMT.

Prediction

Egypt's defensive organisation and strong recent qualifying campaign suggest they can make life difficult for Belgium. However, the Red Devils possess greater depth and attacking quality that could prove decisive over the course of 90 minutes.

The Pharaohs may be capable of troubling Belgium on the counterattack, but the Europeans remain favourites to begin their campaign with three points.

Prediction: Belgium 2-1 Egypt.