Preview: Belgium vs Egypt prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Can the Pharaohs clinch their first-ever World Cup win over the Red Devils in Washington?

Perched directly on the edge of the Puget Sound, the Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field) in Washington, USA, gears up to host the opening match week fixture in Group G of the FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring European heavyweights Belgium and African powerhouse Egypt.

The Red Devils suffered a heartbreaking group stage exit in the last edition of the FIFA World Cup after the team went on to win the bronze medal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The last time they faced an African outfit in the World Cup, it was Morocco who handed them a defeat in the group stage.

Despite boasting some of the best players in the last few decades, Belgium’s golden generation has underperformed massively. Rudi Garcia will have big responsibilities on his shoulders to deliver results and take his side to the semi-finals at least.

Their recent form has been sublime, winning four of their last five games, including a big 5-0 win over Tunisia and a 5-2 win over hosts USA. The Belgian team still remains one of the favourites to top Group G.

Your 2026 World Cup squad. 📸 pic.twitter.com/oz80r9NSw3

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 5, 2026

Talking about Egypt, they have won three out of their last four games against Belgium. They are, however, yet to win a game in FIFA World Cup history, and after missing out on the last edition, the Pharaohs will be pumped to make a mark in the next edition.

In their last five friendly fixtures, they won games against Russia and Saudi Arabia and are coming after a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the most recent encounter.

They are led by Hossam Hassan, who has previously been at the helm of the Jordan national team. He will be eyeing a historic first win for Egypt in the World Cup after that heartbreaking semifinal defeat at AFCON 2026.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kick-off:

• Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
• Stadium: Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field)
• Date: Monday, June 15
• Kick-off time: 8 p.m. BST [12:30 a.m. IST, Tuesday, June 16 / 12 p.m. local PDT, Monday]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Belgium (in all competitions): W-W-D-W-W

Egypt (in all competitions): L-W-D-W-L

Players to Watch

Leandro Trossard (Belgium)

Trossard is one of the most elite creative playmakers in world football, who is coming after winning the English Premier League with Arsenal after nearly two decades.

What makes him an asset for Rudi Garcia is his ability to unlock tight defences and also find space in crowded regions. He is a live wire in the left flank, whose overlapping and accelerated runs from the left flank are nothing less than a nightmare for opposition fullbacks.

In the last edition, Belgium lacked that creativity from the flanks, and this time, he will be one of the key players to watch out for in Belgium.

Omar Marmoush (Egypt)

With 11 goal contributions in 39 games for one of the best football clubs in the world in his second season at the English Premier League with Manchester City, Omar Marmoush is enjoying the time of his life.

The Egyptian striker will have big responsibilities on his shoulders as he carries the hopes of the African nation, still searching for its first-ever World Cup win.

Marmoush has quickly become one of the most prolific African forwards in the English top flight, and he has the experience of rubbing shoulders with the best players in the world week in and week out. He is also one of the most technically sound players in the Egyptian squad.

Also Read: Where and how to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 around the globe? Full Broadcaster List

Match Facts

• Egypt have defeated Belgium thrice, whereas the Red Devils won only once.
• This fixture has never ended in a draw.
• Emad Meteb of Egypt is the leading goalscorer in this fixture.

Belgium vs Egypt: Betting Tips and Odds

• Belgium to win the game – 5/6 with Betfred
• Jeremy Doku to score – 11/8 with Betfred
• Belgium 2-1 Egypt – 16/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Belgium World Cup squad

Belgium have no injury concerns for the upcoming game. Their starting lineup looks deadly with Trossard and Doku in the wings. Lukaku’s club form with Napoli is a bit concerning, and he must go all guns blazing to lead Belgium’s attacking lineup.

Goalkeepers: Mats Sels, Thibaut Courtois, Senne Lammens

Defenders: Arthur Theate, Brandon, Nathan Ngoy, Koni De Winter, Zeno Debast, Maxime De Cuyper, Joaquin Sese, Thomas Meunier, Timothy Castagne

Midfielders: Nicolas Raskin, Axel Witsel, Hans Vanaken, Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana

Forwards:  Jeremy Doku, Alexis Saelemaekers, Mathias Fernandez Bardo, Lucas Stassin, Romelu Lukaku, Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Dodi Lukebakio

Egypt World Cup squad

Egypt captain Salah may not be fully fit for the game after picking up a hamstring injury in the latter half of the season. However, he would still be picked in the eleven and forwards like Trezeguet, Zizo and Marmoush will have to contribute effectively.

Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Ahly), El-Mahdy Soliman (Zamalek), Mohamed Alaa (Gouna).

Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim (Ahly), Tarek Alaa (ZED FC), Rami Rabia (Al-Ain – UAE), Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah – Qatar), Hossam Abdelmaguid, Ahmed Fattouh (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdelmonem (Nice-France), Karim Hafez (Pyramids FC).

Midfielders: Marwan Attia, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Emam Ashour, Mahmoud Trezeguet (Ahly), Mohanad Lasheen, Nabil Emad Donga, Mahmoud Saber, Mostafa Zico (Pyramids FC), Ibrahim Adel (Al Jazeera – UAE), Haissam Hassan (Real Oviedo – Spain), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool – England).

Strikers: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City – England), Aqtay Abdallah (Enppi), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona – Spain).

Head-to-Head

Total games: 04

Belgium won: 01

Egypt won: 03

Matches drawn: 00

Predicted Lineups

Belgium predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Thibaut Courtois (GK); Maxim De Cuyper, Arthur Theate, Nathan Ngoy, Thomas Meunier; Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana; Jérémy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard; Romelu Lukaku.

Egypt predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Mohamed El Shenawy (GK); Ahmed Fatouh, Rami Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Hany; Hamdy Fathy, Mohannad Lashin; Omar Marmoush, Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”, Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet”; Mohamed Salah.

Match Prediction

History indicates Egypt are the favourite to win, but given Belgium’s recent form and their depth in squad, we expect the Red Devils to narrowly win the game by a slight margin.

Prediction: Belgium 2-1 Egypt

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.