Belgium vs Egypt: World Cup Group G Opener

Belgium and Egypt open their World Cup Group G campaigns at Lumen Field in Seattle, with both sides starting level on zero points and aiming to seize early control in the section. Belgium are listed top of the group and Egypt second, but with no games played yet, this is a clean slate for both nations on the biggest stage.

Recent meetings offer a mixed picture. The most recent clash in November 2022 saw Belgium lose 1-2 at home to Egypt in Kuwait City, underlining the North Africans’ ability to trouble higher-ranked opposition. However, in June 2018 Belgium were convincing 3-0 winners in Brussels, showing they can dominate this matchup when in full flow. Both of those encounters were friendlies, so this will be the first competitive test between the sides in this cycle.

With no meaningful 2026 tournament form or goal statistics yet recorded for either team, historical pedigree and big-tournament experience are likely to matter. Belgium will expect to control possession, while Egypt know they can hurt them on the counter.