2026 World Cup: Belgium kicks off with clash against Mo Salah’s Egypt
Following a successful pre-tournament build-up, the Red Devils face their World Cup opener on Monday evening at 9 pm Belgian time. At Lumen Field in Seattle, they will take on Egypt, who are their main rivals in the battle to top the group.
On paper, Egypt is Belgium’s toughest opponent in their World Cup group. Iran and New Zealand are considered weaker.
The last time the two nations faced each other, in a friendly four years ago, Belgium lost 1-2 to the Pharaohs. Notably, of their four previous international matches, the Belgians have won just one.
The Red Devils will therefore be wary of the seven-time Africa Cup of Nations winners. The country also emerged from the African World Cup qualifiers unbeaten, with 26 points from 30. With Mo Salah and Omar Marmoush, there are two big names in manager Hossam Hassan’s squad.
However, following a successful pre-tournament campaign featuring two impressive victories against Croatia and Tunisia, Belgium appear fully prepared for this opening World Cup match. The Red Devils will rely primarily on their attacking strength.
Amadou Onana, captain Youri Tielemans and playmaker Kevin De Bruyne are certainties in midfield. Up front on the flanks are Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard, with Charles De Ketelaere tasked with scoring goals. Romelu Lukaku is not yet ready to start the match and will begin on the bench.
Defensively, the Red Devils are in a less comfortable position. It is expected that manager Rudi Garcia will opt for a back four. At left-back, Timothy Castagne seems to be the preferred choice, whilst Thomas Meunier is a certainty on the right.
Nathan Ngoy is a brand-new Red Devil, but has made an excellent impression in recent weeks. The big question is who will partner the Lille player at centre-back. Arthur Theate and Brandon Mechele are the two main contenders for that spot. Between the posts, the Red Devils can count on top goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
As well as the Egyptian team, the heat will also be an opponent not to be underestimated for Belgium. In Seattle, it will be midday when the match kicks off, so the national team will play their first 90 World Cup minutes in 30-degree heat, under the blazing sun.
Kevin De Bruyne pictured during a training session of the Belgian national football team © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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