Belgium aim to start strong against Egypt in World Cup Group G opener

On Monday, Belgium and Egypt will face each other at Lumen Field in Seattle in the opening match of Group G at the 2026 World Cup. The game kicks off at 12:00 local time (21:00 Belgian time) inside a stadium that usually hosts the Seattle Sounders, temporarily renamed Stade de Seattle by FIFA. Belgium arrive as group favourites, eager to distance themselves from a disastrous first-round elimination in Qatar four years ago, while Egypt are chasing a first ever World Cup victory after seven winless attempts across four tournament appearances.

Belgium’s new look

The Red Devils are in the middle of a generational transition. Head coach Rudi Garcia, appointed in early 2025, has blended veterans Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois with a younger core that includes Jérémy Doku, Amadou Onana and Charles De Ketelaere. Veteran midfielder Axel Witsel, at 37 appearing in his fourth World Cup, described a refreshed mood in camp.

Rudi Garcia has managed to re-energise the entire squad. As soon as I returned to the group, I felt that little positive something, that extra spark — especially since the start of our preparations.

Witsel, now mainly used off the bench, stressed the absence of egos in the group. Belgium are expected to dominate possession and apply sustained pressure on the Egyptian defence. Garcia, however, refused to look beyond the group stage.

Let’s start by respecting our group-stage opponents. Let’s beat them, finish top of the group, and then we’ll see how far we can go.

Egypt’s counter-attacking threat

Egypt, managed by Hossam Hassan, plan to sit deep and hit on the break through Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. The Pharaohs will take heart from the last meeting between the sides, a 2‑1 friendly win in Kuwait in November 2022. Salah carried an injury through the 2018 campaign and is determined to make a greater impact this time.

The match also reunites Salah with Garcia, who coached him at AS Roma. Garcia acknowledged the danger his former player poses.

We know Egypt well; they’re one of the best teams in Africa. I know all about Mo Salah as I coached him at Roma.

Preparation in Seattle

Belgium’s build-up continued on Saturday with a training session at their Renton base, attended by 25 players. Defender Zeno Debast trained separately as he continues rehabilitation. The squad earlier carried out a pitch reconnaissance at Lumen Field, a 67 000-seat venue that could also host Belgium’s round-of-16 and quarter-final ties should they top the group. Kevin De Bruyne addressed media on Saturday, while captain Youri Tielemans and Garcia will face reporters on Sunday.

A path to redemption

Belgium have been mentioned as potential dark horses, supported by a mix of experience and youth that Witsel compared to the 2014 side that reached the quarter-final. Egypt, entering the tournament as clear underdogs, will hope that a disciplined defensive structure can frustrate their opponents long enough for the counter-attack to deliver a historic first win.