Belgium’s Red Devils Prepare for World Cup Clash Against Egypt
Belgium’s Red Devils arrive in Seattle with a familiar weight on their shoulders: expectation.
They open their FIFA World Cup campaign on Monday night against Egypt in Group G, a side still searching for its own statement on the global stage. Belgium, by contrast, have spent the build-up reminding everyone why they sit among the tournament’s early favourites.
Red Devils roaring into the World Cup
Qualification barely ruffled them. Belgium swept through their group without a single defeat, brushing aside opponents with a calm, ruthless efficiency that has become their hallmark in recent years. They didn’t just qualify; they imposed themselves.
That authority has rolled straight into their warm-up fixtures. A controlled 2-0 win over Croatia underlined their defensive organisation and patience. Then came the show of force: a 5-0 demolition of Tunisia last week, the kind of result that sends a message through a tournament before a ball is even kicked in anger.
This is a squad that looks sure of itself. A powerful attacking unit, a midfield dripping with creativity, and the sense that this might finally be their moment.
Garcia’s defensive headache
Not everything is perfect for Rudi Garcia, though. The first problem lies at the heart of his defence.
Zeno Debast, the young centre-back earmarked to anchor the back line, is sidelined with a leg injury. He has travelled with the squad, but he is not expected to feature until later in the competition. For a coach who values structure as much as flair, that absence bites.
Garcia now turns to a makeshift central pairing of Brandon Mechele and Joel Ngoy. Both are capable, both committed, but they step into a World Cup opener knowing they are being asked to steady a ship that expects to sail deep into the tournament. One mistake on this stage is rarely forgiven.
Beyond Debast’s injury, the news is far more encouraging. The rest of the Belgian squad is fit, sharp, and ready.
De Bruyne at the controls, a dilemma up front
The real debate sits at the other end of the pitch.
Garcia must choose between the tried-and-tested presence of Romelu Lukaku and the more fluid, modern option of Charles De Ketelaere operating as a false nine. It is a decision that will shape how Belgium attack Egypt’s back line.
Lukaku offers power, penalty-box instincts, and a history of delivering on the international stage. De Ketelaere brings movement between the lines, link-up play, and the ability to drag defenders into uncomfortable areas. Two very different answers to the same question.
What is not in doubt is the shape. Belgium are expected to line up in an attacking 4-2-3-1, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings as the central creator. When he dictates the tempo, Belgium look like a different team entirely. His passing can rip open deep defensive blocks, his timing can turn half-chances into goals.
On the flanks, Jeremy Doku’s role will be vital. His pace, direct running and willingness to isolate defenders one-on-one could stretch Egypt’s shape and create the gaps De Bruyne and Leandro Trossard thrive on. If Doku pins back full-backs early, Egypt may find themselves retreating deeper than they would like.
Predicted Belgium XI
Garcia is expected to go with:
Courtois; Meunier, Mechele, Ngoy, Castagne; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere.
It is a side built to attack, to seize control of the game rather than react to it. The balance between Onana’s athleticism and Tielemans’ passing should offer a platform for the four ahead of them to express themselves.
Under the lights in Seattle
The stage is set at Seattle Stadium. Kick-off comes at 8pm BST on Monday, 15th June, with viewers in the UK able to watch the match live on BBC One.
Belgium have the form, the talent, and the momentum. Egypt will bring resistance and pride. The question now is simple: will this be the night the Red Devils announce another serious tilt at the World Cup, or the first sign that the journey might yet be more complicated than it looks on paper?
