Belgium begin their FIFA World Cup campaign against Egypt in Seattle, with the Red Devils aiming to turn their impressive qualifying form into another deep tournament run.
For Egypt, however, the match represents another opportunity to finally break their long-standing World Cup curse, having never won a game at the tournament.
Belgium Begin New Era With Serious Ambition
Belgium arrive at the finals with a new generation determined to continue the country’s recent rise on the international stage.
The Red Devils progressed through UEFA qualifying unbeaten, winning five matches and drawing three, while scoring 29 goals, bettered only by Norway’s 37 in the region.
Their momentum has continued into their final preparations, with Belgium thrashing both Croatia and Tunisia by a combined seven-goal margin without conceding.
Under manager Rudi Garcia, Belgium are looking to recover from the disappointment of a group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup.
This will be Belgium’s 15th appearance at the finals, the most of any European nation that has never won the competition.
Their confidence is boosted by an outstanding group-stage record, losing only once in their last 15 World Cup group matches, while winning eight and drawing six.
Egypt Searching for First World Cup Victory
Egypt arrive at their fourth World Cup finals appearance still searching for their first-ever victory on football’s biggest stage.
The Pharaohs completed an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the first time since 1934, winning eight and drawing two matches, providing renewed optimism ahead of the tournament.
However, their World Cup history remains frustrating. Only Honduras have played more matches in the competition without recording a win than Egypt, who have drawn twice and lost five of their previous seven finals matches.
Under legendary former striker Hossam Hassan, Egypt have built a strong defensive foundation, keeping clean sheets in four of their last five matches.
Their latest test of progress will be a major one against a Belgium side packed with attacking quality.
Historical Advantage Belongs to Egypt
Despite Belgium’s stronger tournament record, Egypt have enjoyed the better head-to-head history.
The Pharaohs have won three of the previous four meetings, losing only once. Their most recent victory came shortly before the 2022 World Cup.
However, this will be the first time the two nations have met in a major tournament.
Key Players to Watch
Belgium will look towards Jeremy Doku for attacking inspiration. After ending the season strongly with Manchester City, Doku arrives having contributed seven goals for Belgium during qualifying, scoring five and assisting two.
His creativity was also among the best in Europe during qualifying, with no European player creating more open-play chances than his 24.
Egypt’s hopes will once again rest heavily on captain Mohamed Salah.
The now former Liverpool star has scored 67 international goals and is just two away from becoming Egypt’s outright all-time leading scorer.
He was directly involved in 60% of Egypt’s qualifying goals, scoring nine and assisting three.
Belgium will be without Zeno Debast, who has not recovered from a leg injury suffered in May, while Egypt have no fresh injury concerns.
Numbers That Matter
- Belgium are unbeaten in 13 matches, winning nine and drawing four.
- Belgium have scored seven unanswered goals across their last two warm-up matches.
- Belgium have lost only one of their last 15 World Cup group-stage matches.
- Belgium have lost just one of their last five World Cup matches against African opposition.
- Egypt have never led a match at the World Cup finals.
- Egypt have failed to score in four of their last five defeats.
Kick-off is set for tonight at 10 pm.
