By Ayomide Balogun
Belgium vs Egypt
One of the most intriguing Group G fixtures takes center stage on Monday, June 15, at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, as European powerhouse Belgium takes on African Royalty, Egypt.
Belgium come into this match as clear favorites, boasting a FIFA ranking that places them among the elite and a squad still featuring many players from their golden generation. Under coach Rudi Garcia, the Red Devils have assembled a formidable 26-man roster headlined by Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, and Thomas Meunier.
The Belgians topped their qualifying group impressively and come into the tournament motivated to improve on their quarter-final exit in 2022. This could be the last dance for several veterans, injecting extra urgency. Recent friendlies, including a dominant 5-0 win over Tunisia, highlight their attacking potency. Belgium’s style emphasizes possession, quick transitions, and exploiting width qualities that could overwhelm a compact Egyptian defense.
Egypt, meanwhile, arrives with renewed hope and star quality, particularly in the form of Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool forward, one of the planet’s most lethal attackers, will shoulder much of the creative and scoring burden alongside rising talents like Omar Marmoush. Coach Hossam Hassan has built a resilient side that went undefeated in CAF qualifying, showcasing defensive organization and dangerous counter-attacking threats. Egypt last appeared at the World Cup in 2018 and are still searching for their first-ever win at the tournament. A strong performance against Belgium could launch their campaign in a group that also includes Iran and New Zealand.
Belgium brings superior depth, attacking firepower, and recent momentum. Egypt offers organization, Salah’s magic, and motivation for a historic breakthrough. Expect a tactical battle where Belgium’s midfield control clashes with Egypt’s compact shape and rapid transitions.
Hot stats
. Belgium are unbeaten in the last 10 competitive matches, topping their World Cup qualifying group without a loss.
. Belgium scored 37 goals and conceded just 6 in their last 10 matches
. Egypt were unbeaten in 2026 World Cup qualifiers (8 wins, 2 draws) and qualified with games to spare.
. Egypt have never won a World Cup match.
Players to watch out for
. Mo Salah (Egypt): the Liverpool forward was involved in 60% of Egypt’s goals in qualifiers. The Pharaohs will be reliant on him again to step up in this match.
. Romelu Lukaku (Belgium): Belgium’s all-time top scorer will be key in bringing his bullish style to find a way for the Red Devils through the resilient Egyptian defense.
Early predictions
Belgium have been brutal in their recent wins, and with Egypt’s record in the World Cup, PrimeTimes predicts a win for Belgium.