Group G’s curtain-raiser on June 15 pits Belgium against Egypt in a clash that carries immediate significance for both sides. With no points on the board before kick-off, a win would offer an early advantage in a section that also features the United States and Slovenia. Roberto Martínez’s side arrive off the back of uneven preparation, while Egypt’s preparations have been disrupted by domestic unrest. The match is scheduled for a 20:00 local start at the 70,000-capacity SoFi Stadium, Inglewood.
What’s at stake
A positive result is vital for both nations. Belgium, ranked 4th in FIFA’s latest rankings, need to rediscover momentum after failing to qualify for Euro 2024 and enduring a disjointed Nations League campaign. A win would ease pressure on Martínez, whose future has been questioned following the tournament absence. Egypt, 28th in the rankings, require a strong start to avoid the early elimination that has plagued their last two World Cup appearances. A defeat would leave them needing to beat either the US or Slovenia to progress.
Recent form and narrative
Belgium’s most recent competitive outings ended in defeats to France and Sweden in the Nations League, bookending a goalless draw with Israel in between. Their last World Cup warm-up ended in a 2-0 loss to Portugal, highlighting persistent defensive fragility and a lack of cohesion. Egypt, meanwhile, drew 1-1 with Guinea in their final pre-tournament fixture, following a 3-0 loss to Brazil. Their squad remains unsettled by domestic political tensions, which have disrupted domestic league schedules and limited collective preparation time.
Tactically, Belgium must address their midfield control issues that have surfaced in recent matches. Martínez’s favoured 4-2-3-1 has struggled to transition defence into attack, while Egypt’s pragmatic approach under Rui Vitória has relied on rapid transitions and direct play through striker Mostafa Mohamed. The Pharaohs’ defensive record in recent friendlies has been inconsistent, conceding late equalisers against Guinea and Brazil.
Team news and injuries
Belgium are understood to be without midfielder Amadou Onana due to a minor knock sustained in training, though the club has not confirmed his status reported. Centre-back Jan Vertonghen remains in the squad after a late fitness concern, while striker Lois Openda has recovered from a minor thigh issue and is expected to start. Goalkeeper Koen Casteels is also fit after a pre-tournament illness.
Egypt’s defensive midfielder Mohamed Elneny is a doubt after picking up a knock in their final warm-up, but Vitória has indicated he will assess the player on the day understood. Striker Mostafa Mohamed is fully fit after a minor training-ground issue, while goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhy returns to contention after a hand injury. Egypt’s preparation was further disrupted by the postponement of the domestic league’s final round due to political demonstrations.
Predicted lineups
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Casteels; De Ketelaere, Vertonghen (c), Faes, Castagne; Tielemans, Vanaken; Doku, De Bruyne, Lukaku; Openda
Egypt (4-2-3-1): Sobhy; Gabr, Hamed, Abdelmonem, Fathi; Elneny, Ashour; Trézéguet, Marmoush, Hamdy; Mohamed
Belgium’s predicted XI features their most experienced core, with De Bruyne pulling the strings and Lukaku leading the line. Egypt’s side is expected to mirror Vitória’s recent 4-2-3-1 shape, with Trézéguet and Marmoush providing width alongside Mohamed. Both benches include young talent looking to make an impact, including Belgium’s Johan Bakayoko and Egypt’s Omar Marmoush.
Reader prediction and crowd mood
Our Kickoff XI readers have split on the outcome, with 43% backing Belgium to win, 31% predicting a draw, and 26% siding with Egypt. The most popular exact score among respondents is 2-1 to Belgium, reflecting confidence in their attacking talent despite recent defensive lapses. The crowd at SoFi Stadium is expected to be predominantly Belgian, given the proximity of the fixture to Los Angeles, where a large diaspora is based.
Verdict and score prediction
Belgium enter this match as narrow favourites on account of their superior ranking and attacking firepower. However, Egypt’s directness and Martínez’s defensive frailties could expose gaps in the Red Devils’ shape. A tightly contested opening 20 minutes is likely, with Belgium seeking to dominate possession and Egypt looking to exploit counter-attacks. The game may hinge on whether Belgium can convert their higher xG into goals, while Egypt’s defence must stay compact to avoid late damage.
We expect a narrow victory for Belgium, with the Red Devils edging the contest 2-1. Lukaku’s physical presence and De Bruyne’s creativity should prove decisive, while Egypt’s resilience will keep them in the game until late. A draw remains a plausible outcome, but the weight of Belgian talent tips the balance in their favour.
Kickoff XI is an independent publication and is not affiliated with FIFA.
