Belgium: Attack back in rhythm, but defensive doubts remain

Belgium heads into the tournament carrying positive momentum. While their World Cup qualifying campaign lacked consistency at times, recent friendlies showed clear improvement, with the Red Devils winning three of their last four matches. A convincing 2-0 success over Croatia stood out, although the 1-1 draw against Mexico highlighted lingering concerns about seeing games through despite their attacking quality.

Rudi Garcia has plenty of firepower at his disposal. Players like Doku, De Bruyne, Lukebakio, De Ketelaere, and Lukaku give Belgium multiple attacking dimensions and the ability to trouble almost any defense. Still, concerns remain at the back. Central defense looks vulnerable, especially with Zeno Debast struggling for full fitness after limited game time. That uncertainty could become problematic against Egypt’s pace on the counter through Salah and Marmoush.

Egypt: Defensive discipline and counterattacking threat

Egypt arrive at the World Cup in excellent shape after a dominant qualification campaign, collecting eight wins from ten matches without suffering defeat and conceding only twice. Their form in 2026 has remained impressive, including a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, a goalless draw with Spain, a narrow victory against Russia, and a competitive 2-1 defeat to Brazil where they pushed the favorites hard.

Under Hossam Hassan, Egypt have embraced a pragmatic approach against stronger opposition: sitting deep, staying compact, and breaking quickly through Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. The Pharaohs are unlikely to dominate possession, but their direct transitions could expose Belgium if the Europeans overcommit in attack or leave gaps behind.

Probable lineups

Belgium: Courtois; De Keyper, Theate, Mechele, Meunier; Onana, Tielemans; Doku, De Bruyne, Lukebakio; De Ketelaere.

Egypt: Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Fathi, Fattouh; Attia, Lashin; Salah, Zizo, Hassan; Marmoush.

Match facts and head-to-head

Belgium have won three of their last four matches, including a notable 2-0 victory over Croatia, but were held to a 1-1 draw by Mexico.

Egypt completed World Cup qualifying unbeaten, conceding only two goals throughout the campaign.

Egypt have won three of the last four meetings between the two sides, including a 2-1 success in November 2022.

Belgium have earned more than five corners in only two of their last nine World Cup matches.

Fewer than five yellow cards were shown in seven of Belgium’s previous nine World Cup games.

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