Belgium, ranked ninth in the world and unbeaten in their last 13 matches, open their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G campaign against Egypt at Lumen Field, Seattle on Monday, 16 June 2026 (19:00 UTC / 22:00 EAT (Monday, 16 June 2026)). The Red Devils are strong favourites against a side yet to win a World Cup match in their history. Our prediction: Belgium to win.
Match details
| Field | Detail |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA World Cup — Group G opener |
| Date & kick-off | Monday, 16 June 2026 at 19:00 UTC / 22:00 EAT (Monday, 16 June 2026) |
| Venue | Lumen Field, Seattle, USA |
| Where to watch | Dstv or GoTV |
Belgium’s new generation vs Egypt’s World Cup curse
Belgium arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a different mould to the ‘golden generation’ that peaked in 2018. This is a squad in transition but one that has performed impressively in qualification — unbeaten across eight games, winning five and drawing three, with only Norway scoring more goals in European qualifying. Ranked ninth globally, they are one of the genuine contenders to advance deep into the tournament.
This is Belgium’s 15th World Cup appearance, making them the European nation with the most tournament appearances without ever winning the title. They have lost just one of their last 15 World Cup group stage games, and Kevin De Bruyne — playing in what is likely to be his final World Cup — gives the side a quality that few Group G opponents will be able to match.
Egypt make their fourth World Cup appearance carrying an unwanted record: they have never won a World Cup finals match in their history. Only Honduras have played more World Cup games without registering a victory. Despite being a dominant force on the African continent, the Pharaohs have consistently struggled to translate that form onto the global stage. Mohamed Salah is the focal point of their attack and, at 34, is likely playing his last World Cup. His experience and quality give Egypt their best chance of changing that record.
Group G also features Iran and New Zealand, who meet the same evening. A strong opening result here goes a long way to determining Group G’s shape.
Team news and expected line-ups
Belgium are close to full strength. Kevin De Bruyne starts, having scored in their final warm-up win over Tunisia. Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana retain their midfield partnership. Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), who scored four goals in qualifying, starts on the right flank alongside Leandro Trossard on the opposite side. Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time top scorer, leads the attack. Charles De Ketelaere is expected to start on the bench despite scoring against Tunisia.
Belgium expected XI: (GK); (RB), (CB), (CB), (LB); Tielemans, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku. — Update once official line-ups confirmed.
Egypt will be led by Mohamed Salah, with Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) and Trezeguet both fit and expected to start alongside him. The rest of the XI is expected to remain unchanged from the side that faced Brazil in their final pre-tournament friendly.
Egypt expected XI: (GK); (RB), (CB), (CB), (LB); (CM), (CM); Trezeguet, (AM), Marmoush; Salah. — Update once official line-ups confirmed.
Key stats
- Belgium: ranked 9th in the world by FIFA. 15th World Cup appearance — most by a European nation never to have won the title.
- Belgium form (last 5): W W D W W — unbeaten in last 13 matches. Most recent result: 5-0 win over Tunisia.
- Belgium qualifying: W5 D3 — unbeaten. Only Norway scored more goals in European qualifying.
- Belgium World Cup record: lost just 1 of their last 15 group stage games.
- Egypt: fourth World Cup appearance. Have never won a World Cup finals match — only Honduras have played more games without a win.
- Egypt form (last 5): L W D W L — most recent result: 1-2 defeat to Brazil in final warm-up.
- H2H: Egypt lead the all-time series 3-1, including a 2-1 win over Belgium in 2022.
- H2H World Cup: no previous meeting between the sides at a World Cup.
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand.
Head-to-head
The head-to-head record is, surprisingly, in Egypt’s favour — they have won three of the four all-time meetings between the sides. However, all four fixtures were friendlies and carry limited weight in a World Cup context. Belgium’s current squad quality and form represent a significant step up from any previous meeting, and the most recent result — Egypt’s 2-1 win in 2022 — came when Belgium were a different side.
| Date | Result |
| 18 November 2022 | Belgium 1–2 Egypt |
| 6 June 2018 | Belgium 3–0 Egypt |
| 9 February 2005 | Egypt 4–0 Belgium |
| 30 March 1999 | Belgium 0–1 Egypt |
Current form
| Team | Last 5 |
| Belgium | W W D W W |
| Egypt | L W D W L |
Our prediction
Belgium’s head-to-head record against Egypt is the one statistical caveat worth noting, but the context of those results is very different to a World Cup group stage opener. The current Belgian squad, with De Bruyne, Lukaku, Doku, and Trossard, is significantly more experienced and better equipped for a match of this magnitude than Egypt.
Egypt will not be passive. Salah is capable of producing moments of individual quality at any level, and Marmoush’s Premier League season for Manchester City will have given him the form and confidence to be a threat. Egypt have only failed to score in two of their last 10 matches, so Belgium cannot afford to be complacent.
Belgium’s overall quality, their unbeaten run, and their World Cup group stage record make them the clear pick here. A comfortable win is the most likely outcome, though Egypt may find a way to contribute to the scoreline.
Our prediction: Belgium to win.
Odds and markets
Odds correct at 22.00 UTC on 15th June 2026 and subject to change.
How to bet on SportPesa
- Open the Belgium vs Egypt event page on SportPesa (link above).
- Choose your market — Single Bet (SB), Multi-Bet (MB), or Live Bet (LB) once the match starts.
- Enter your stake and place your bet.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Belgium vs Egypt kick off?
Kick-off is at 19:00 UTC / 22:00 EAT (Monday, 16 June 2026) on Monday, 16 June 2026, at Lumen Field, Seattle, USA.
What is the Belgium vs Egypt head-to-head record?
Egypt lead the all-time head-to-head series 3-1 across four meetings, all of which were friendlies. Their most recent encounter was a 2-1 Egypt win in November 2022. The sides have never previously met at a World Cup.
Has Egypt ever won a World Cup match?
No. Egypt have never won a match at the FIFA World Cup finals across their previous three appearances (1934, 1990, 2018). Only Honduras have played more World Cup games without registering a win.
What group are Belgium and Egypt in at World Cup 2026?
Both sides are in Group G alongside Iran and New Zealand.
Who are Belgium’s key players at World Cup 2026?
Kevin De Bruyne is the creative fulcrum and is playing in what is likely his final World Cup. Romelu Lukaku leads the attack as Belgium’s all-time top scorer. Jeremy Doku provides pace and direct running from the right flank.
Who is Egypt’s key player at World Cup 2026?
Mohamed Salah is Egypt’s most influential player and primary attacking threat. At 34, this is expected to be his final World Cup, and his experience and quality at the highest level give the Pharaohs their best chance of a positive result.
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