Belgium v Egypt LIVE: Salah and De Bruyne battle it out in Group G clash with Pharaohs looking for first World Cup win | OneFootball

Belgium take on Egypt in the opening game of World Cup Group G in Seattle this evening, with a win putting either side in control of the group early on.

The Red Devils come into the tournament with a talented squad but many feel the opportunity might have been and gone as the remainder of the nation’s golden generation have one final shot at international glory.

As for Egypt, Mo Salah and co. head into the game looking for their first ever win at a World Cup finals, with the Pharaohs knowing that a win this evening would put them in a great position to make the knockout rounds for the first time.

Hazard on Belgium's chances

Former Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard spoke about his nation’s chances at this World Cup.

“There’s no doubt that Belgium are the best side in that group,” he said.

“But that first game is never easy. The squad is a mix of the old guard and a new generation who are starting to come through.

“The fact that they’re not being tipped as favourites will allow them to play with more freedom and composure. Expectations in Belgium are high, of course, but less so than in 2018 and 2022.”

Egypt's group stage fixtures

15 June: Belgium vs Egypt - Seattle Stadium

21 June: New Zealand vs Egypt - BC Place Vancouver

26 June: Egypt vs IR Iran - Seattle Stadium

Mike Jones15 June 2026 19:12

No longer a golden generation

“For six years – maybe longer – Belgium topped the Fifa rankings,” Garcia said.

“The team dubbed the ‘golden generation’ were tipped as the frontrunners to win at both Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, but ultimately fell short on both occasions. The picture is very different these days. We’ll just be the underdogs, but I don’t mind that – in fact, I prefer it.

“We should fear nobody, that’s for sure. I’ve already told the players: we have to believe we can go toe-to-toe with any team.”

(Reuters)

Mike Jones15 June 2026 19:06

Belgium's aims

Belgium head coach, Rudi Garcia, spoke about what he hopes to achieve with the team in this World Cup.

“We need to distinguish between our objective and our ambition,” he said. “Our priority is to get through the group stage.

“Let’s come out on top so that we earn a more favourable draw and, ideally, stay put [in Seattle for the Round of 32]. That will be the objective!”

Mike Jones15 June 2026 18:54

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