Belgium begins World Cup campaign against Egypt as Garcia's revitalized side rides 13-match unbeaten run into Seattle opener

Belgium's resurgence under Garcia

Rudi Garcia, appointed in January 2025 after Belgium's early exits from the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, has overseen a dramatic turnaround. The Red Devils arrive at the tournament without a defeat in 13 matches, having secured Nations League survival and smooth qualification for the American World Cup. A pair of preparatory wins over Croatia (2-0) and Tunisia (5-0) reinforced confidence in a squad blending veterans of the 2018 third-place team with emerging talent.

Former Belgium coach Georges Leekens praised Garcia's man-management.

“Chapeau to Rudi Garcia for his coaching and his management. He has adapted to the elements at his disposal while creating balance and a good atmosphere in this group.”

Egypt's attacking threat

Egypt, led by coach Hossam Hassan, enters the fixture with its own ambitions. Hassan acknowledged Belgium's quality but insisted his side can match them.

“Everyone knows what this team is capable of. They have many experienced players, and I'm not only talking about Kevin De Bruyne. But we also have fantastic players.”

The 59-year-old confirmed his squad's intent to make Africa and the Arab world proud, with Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah as the obvious focal point. Omar Marmoush is also expected to start in a quick-transition system that troubled opponents in qualifying.

Team news and tactical approach

Garcia has already announced that Romelu Lukaku will begin on the bench, though the Belgian coach stressed the depth of his attack. Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne are set to lead the creative effort; De Bruyne spoke of enjoying a new freedom in his preferred role under Garcia.

“The coach has created a good bond with the whole group. The atmosphere is really good and everybody is fully behind the project.”

Defensively, Garcia faces selection dilemmas. Zeno Debast is expected to miss the entire group stage, leaving Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Arthur Theate, and Brandon Mechele competing for spots in the back line. The heat, forecast at 32 to 34 degrees at the 12:00 local kick-off, prompted the squad to use saunas and jacuzzis during training to acclimatize.

What the coaches say

Garcia's pre-match message was characteristically measured.

“We have to survive this group stage, which was not the case at the last World Cup. We need to play our game.”

He noted that Egypt's style bears some resemblance to Tunisia — quick transitions and efficient ball recovery — but cautioned that a tournament opener across the globe carries a different weight than a home friendly. Hassan, meanwhile, pointed to past results against major nations as proof Egypt can compete, while Garcia's counterpart described the Belgian attack even without Lukaku as one of the best he has seen.