Belgium get their 2026 World Cup campaign underway when they face Egypt on Monday at 8pm (UK time).
The Red Devils are desperate to make up for a dismal showing four years ago in Qatar, where they crashed out in the group stage under Roberto Martinez. Their ‘Golden Generation’ had previously finished third in Russia in 2018, and Rudi Garcia will hope his side can hit the ground running in their quest for another strong showing this year.
Egypt, meanwhile, are back at the finals after an eight-year absence for what will be only their fourth appearance on the global stage. Spearheaded by an attack of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, the Pharaohs are aiming to progress beyond the opening round for the first time.
This will be the first competitive meeting between the nations, though the head-to-head record shows Egypt have been something of a bogey team to Belgium. The Pharaohs have won three of the previous four showdowns, including a 2-1 victory in their most recent ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
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Belgium vs Egypt team news
Belgium team news
Despite the emergence of Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, Thibaut Courtois will almost certainly continue to don the number one jersey at what will be his fourth World Cup finals.
Although, Belgium’s defence is something their opponents will look to exploit. They have struggled to settle on a centre-half pairing since the likes of Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen provided their options. Brandon Mechele and Zeno Debast are likely to be given the nod.
Now in his mid-30s, this could well be Kevin De Bruyne’s final outing on the world’s biggest stage. Nevertheless, the Napoli midfielder will still be looking to pull the strings from the middle of the park, with support from the Aston Villa pair of Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans.
Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, Romelu Lukaku is set to lead the line once again, eager to put his poor showing in Qatar behind him. Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku will provide pace, power and trickery down the flanks, and Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard should also get the nod.
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Egypt team news
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan focused on defensive solidarity during his side’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, and he will likely opt for a back five ahead of veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
The Pharaohs are a generally ageing squad, particularly in defence, with the exception of 25-year-old Hossam Abdelmaguid, though wing-backs Mohamed Hany and Ahmed Fatouh will have to be alert to the threat of Doku.
Emam Ashour will look to provide a spark from the middle of the park, and he should get the nod ahead of the more experienced Trezeguet. Up front, the quality speaks for itself in Salah and Marmoush, and they will look to compliment each other on the biggest stage of all.
Belgium vs Egypt predicted lineups
Belgium (4-3-3): Courtois; Meunier, Debast, Mechele, De Cuyper; Onana, De Bruyne, Tielemans; Trossard, Lukaku, Doku.
Egypt (5-3-2): El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Abdelmaguid, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Ashour, Fathy; Salah, Marmoush.
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