Belgium vs Egypt: Top five players to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026 ft- Kevin De Bruyne & Mohamed Salah

Belgium are ranked 20 places ahead of Egypt in the FIFA World Rankings.

Belgium, which entered each of the last three FIFA World Cups as one of the favourites thanks to their so-called golden generation, failed. They arrive at the 2026 tournament with a refreshed squad featuring a blend of exciting young talent and experienced veterans. Long-serving manager Roberto Martinez has since moved on to Portugal, with Rudi Garcia now leading the Red Devils.

Belgium have been drawn in Group G and will begin their World Cup campaign against seven-time AFCON champions Egypt. The match is scheduled to take place at Seattle Stadium in Washington, USA, on June 15.

Egypt returned to the FIFA World Cup after missing out on qualification for the 2022 edition in Qatar. The Pharaohs will also be looking to create history, having never won a match at the FIFA World Cup. Their best-ever finish remains a round-of-16 appearance back in 1934.

When these two nations take the field in Seattle, there will be no shortage of star power on display. From Mohamed Salah to Thibaut Courtois, here are five players who could have a major influence on the outcome of the game.

Read more: PM Luís Montenegro gifts Portugal players special ‘Diogo Jota’ bracelet for FIFA World Cup 2026

The top five players to watch for Belgium vs Egypt

S.No.	Player Name	Country
1	Kevin De Bruyne	Belgium
2	Mohammad Salah	Egypt
3	Thibaut Courtois	Belgium
4	Omar Marmoush	Egypt
5	Jeremy Doku	Belgium

5. Jeremy Doku

Since Eden Hazard’s retirement, Jeremy Doku has taken on greater responsibility within the Belgian national team and has steadily grown into one of their most dangerous attacking players. Operating predominantly on the left wing, he has registered 23 goal contributions in 43 appearances for Belgium.

Doku’s greatest strength lies in his ability to beat defenders in one-versus-one situations. His explosive acceleration, close control and low centre of gravity allow him to glide past opponents with ease. Whether attacking from wide areas or driving into the penalty box, he is capable of creating chaos in opposition defences. Given his threat, Egypt may be forced to commit extra defenders to contain him, which could create extra space for Belgium’s other attacking players

4. Omar Marmoush

Omar Marmoush, who once established himself as one of Europe’s most in-form forwards during his spell at Eintracht Frankfurt, has found opportunities harder to come by since joining Manchester City, often playing behind Erling Haaland in the pecking order. He finished the season with eight goals, many of which came in cup competitions.

Despite that, Marmoush remains one of Egypt’s most important attacking players. Comfortable operating anywhere across the frontline, he frequently drifts into wider areas and uses his excellent dribbling ability to isolate defenders in one-versus-one situations. His relentless pressing and ability to strike from distance make him a constant threat, and Belgium’s defenders will have to remain alert whenever he is on the ball.

3. Thibaut Courtois

When it comes to major tournaments, few goalkeepers inspire confidence like Thibaut Courtois. The Real Madrid shot-stopper has repeatedly proven throughout his career that he is one of the world’s best goalkeepers and a player capable of delivering clutch performances when the stakes are highest.

Courtois excels in dealing with crosses and set pieces, using his height and command of the penalty area to claim or punch away dangerous deliveries. His reflexes remain among the very best in world football, and Belgium will be relying heavily on his experience and shot-stopping ability if they are to progress deep into the tournament.

2. Mohammad Salah

Mohamed Salah endured a disappointing season by the incredibly high standards he has set for himself at Liverpool. The Egyptian forward finished the Premier League campaign with just seven goals after regularly producing close to 20 goals a season since arriving at Anfield.

Salah currently sits on 67 international goals and needs just three more to become Egypt’s all-time leading goalscorer. His strengths are well known to football fans around the world. Operating from the right wing, he thrives with his trademark inverted runs towards goal, combining elite decision-making with clinical finishing in the final third. Even on an off day, Salah possesses the individual quality to produce a match-winning moment.

1. Kevin De Bruyne

Ahead of the season, Kevin De Bruyne moved to Napoli after bringing an end to his hugely successful spell at Manchester City. His first campaign in Italy proved challenging, with injuries and tactical adjustments to Conte’s system limiting his impact. He finished the season with four assists in 21 appearances.

For Belgium, however, De Bruyne remains the focal point of the team. Expected to operate in an advanced midfield role ahead of Onana and Tielemans, much of Belgium’s attacking play will flow through him. His vision, range of passing and ability to create opportunities from seemingly impossible angles remain unmatched.

Add his threat from set-pieces, and it is easy to see why De Bruyne remains one of Belgium’s most influential players.

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