Belgium and Egypt open their FIFA World Cup 2026 accounts tonight in Seattle Stadium, with Group G's first fixture offering a clash between fading European pedigree and African talisman Mohamed Salah.

Belgium's golden generation — a distant memory

For well over a decade, Belgium were considered one of Europe's elite sides, built around a golden generation featuring Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, and Eden Hazard. That era never delivered the silverware it promised, and manager Rudi Garcia now works with a considerably more modest squad.

De Bruyne, almost certainly making a final World Cup appearance, remains Belgium's most important player. Youri Tielemans, Jeremy Doku, and Matias Fernandez-Pardo arrive in good form and give Garcia attacking options capable of moments of real quality.

The concern up front is goals. Alexis Saelemaekers, Diego Moreira, and Dodi Lukebakio managed a combined seven goals in 2025/26, and without a fit Lukaku leading the line, finding the net could prove difficult. Belgium did go through qualification unbeaten, however, which speaks to their defensive resilience.

Egypt's hopes rest on Salah

For Egypt, this campaign begins and ends with Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool FC forward — ranked by FourFourTwo as the greatest Premier League winger of all time — endured a difficult season at club level after falling out of favour with manager Arne Slot. Whether he carries that form into the tournament remains the central question for the Egypt camp.

Salah will attract Belgium's closest attention, but Egypt are not without alternatives. Manchester City's Omar Marmoush offers real danger in the final third and could punish a defensive lapse.

Prediction: Belgium to edge a tight encounter

This promises to be a close, hard-fought match between two sides that rely heavily on their attacking talent. Belgium's defensive structure — arguably their most reliable asset — should prove the decisive factor. Expect goals from both sides, but Belgium to shade it.

Score prediction: Belgium 2-1 Egypt