Belgium begin their 2026 World Cup campaign on Monday evening at Seattle’s Lumen Field with a demanding opening match against Egypt, the strongest team in their group and the main rival for first place. After a convincing warm-up period that included victories over Croatia (2-0) and Tunisia (5-1), the Red Devils now face their first major test on the road to the knockout stage.
National coach Rudi Garcia appears close to settling on his preferred starting lineup, with the main uncertainty still in defense. Belgium are likely to line up in a four-man backline again, a shape Garcia already used in the test against Tunisia. On the left side, Timothy Castagne is currently seen as the more defensive option ahead of Maxim De Cuyper, a choice that could be especially important against Egypt’s dangerous attacking players. Thomas Meunier is expected to start on the right.
In central defense, Nathan Ngoy is set for the biggest appearance of his international career so far. The newcomer has impressed in recent weeks in both three-man and four-man systems, but his partner remains undecided. Arthur Theate, who has often been Garcia’s preferred option in qualifying, is one possibility. Brandon Mechele is the alternative, offering experience and leadership alongside a younger defender.
In midfield, Belgium are expected to keep things stable and rely on a core trio of Amadou Onana, captain Youri Tielemans and playmaker Kevin De Bruyne. That group gives Garcia physical presence, balance and creativity in the center of the pitch. Out wide, Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard are likely to provide pace and attacking threat from the wings. Charles De Ketelaere is expected to lead the line and bring goal danger from the center-forward position.
Romelu Lukaku is not yet ready to start after his injury and is expected to begin on the bench. Injured defender Zeno Debast is also unavailable for this match.
Belgium have good reason to be cautious. In the previous four meetings with Egypt, they have won only once. One of the most painful results came in a 2-1 loss shortly before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when Belgium arrived with uncertainty and later exited in the group stage. That memory still adds pressure to this opening fixture.
Egypt, however, arrive with strong credentials. The team is a seven-time African champion and qualified for the World Cup unbeaten, collecting 26 of a possible 30 points in their qualifying group. Under coach Hossam Hassan, Egypt’s leading names include Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, who has recently made headlines at Manchester City. Trezeguet also adds familiarity for Belgian fans from his earlier spell at Anderlecht.
Recent results underline Egypt’s quality. They beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 in the spring, held European champions Spain to a goalless draw, and defeated Russia in late May. Their only setback in the final preparation came in a narrow 2-1 loss to Brazil.
