Belgium vs Egypt | FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group Stage | Preview and Prediction

European big boys Belgium will face African heavyweights Egypt in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 game in Group G on June 16, 2026, at Seattle Stadium.

For the game, here we present our preview and prediction.

FIFA WC26 | Group G: BEL vs EGY | 00:30 IST, June 16, 2026

This is Belgium’s 15th appearance at the men’s World Cup, while Egypt have qualified for the tournament proper only three times previously and are returning after a gap of four years, having missed the Qatar World Cup.

Belgium come into this game on the back of a 13-game unbeaten streak, while Egypt lost to Brazil in a friendly game before the World Cup. However, both teams made light work of their respective World Cup qualification campaigns. Egypt qualified top of their CAF qualification group, scoring 19 goals in nine matches, with star forward Mohamed Salah leading the way with nine goals. Their opponents, Belgium, also topped their UEFA qualification group — which also featured Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein?—?with five wins and three draws.

Belgium might have to watch out for Romelu Lukaku’s match fitness, as he is returning from injury. Another player who could be out due to injury is Zeno Debast. Egypt, meanwhile, have a full squad available for this game.

As far as this match-up is concerned, these two countries have never faced each other at the World Cup but have faced off in two friendlies, each team winning one. If we compare the two squads, both have some standout and experienced players alongside young talent, but Belgium possess a stronger group on paper. Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, Youri Tielemans, and Charles De Ketelaere will be key to their chances, while Egypt will be led by the influential Mohamed Salah along with forwards Omar Marmoush and Trézéguet.

Most of Belgium’s players compete in top European leagues and play in high-quality games, as compared to most of the Egyptian players who play in relatively inferior leagues. This alone makes Belgium our outright favourites for the win here. Also, De Rode Duivels have more experience of playing in World Cup games, so they should be able to win this fixture comfortably and open their World Cup campaign with a win. However, they should be wary of Egypt’s attacking prowess.

Score Prediction: Belgium 3–1 Egypt 
Venue: Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington, USA