Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Belgium vs Egypt World Cup action begins on Monday, 15 June, as Belgium start their FIFA World Cup Group G campaign against Egypt at Seattle Stadium in Washington.

Kick-off is set for 8pm BST, with Belgium looking to make a strong opening statement and Egypt aiming to frustrate one of Europe’s most talented attacking teams.

The match follows another major World Cup squad story, Spain Without Real Madrid Players: World Cup Squad Marks Historic First, as tournament focus moves across the early group fixtures. Fans can follow official updates through the FIFA website.

Belgium Face Defensive Selection Test

Belgium enter the match without centre-back Zeno Debast, who is sidelined by a leg injury and is not expected back until later in the tournament.

Rudi Garcia is likely to use Brandon Mechele and Joel Ngoy in central defence, with Thomas Meunier and Timothy Castagne expected to complete the back four.

The key attacking call is whether Belgium start Romelu Lukaku or use Charles De Ketelaere as a false nine.

Kevin De Bruyne will be central to Belgium’s control in midfield, while Jeremy Doku’s pace out wide gives Egypt a major defensive test.

Egypt Look to Counter Through Salah

Egypt arrive with a fully fit squad, boosted by Mohamed Salah’s recovery from a hamstring injury.

Salah played 45 minutes in a recent friendly against Brazil and is set to captain Egypt from the right wing.

Hossam Hassan is expected to set up Egypt in a compact shape, with fast breaks through Salah and Omar Marmoush.

Mohamed Abdelmonem and Yasser Ibrahim are expected to lead the defence as Egypt try to absorb Belgium pressure and attack the space behind.

Predicted Lineups

Belgium predicted lineup: Thibaut Courtois; Thomas Meunier, Brandon Mechele, Joel Ngoy, Timothy Castagne; Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans; Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku; Charles De Ketelaere.

Egypt predicted lineup: Mostafa Shobeir; Mohamed Hany, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Yasser Ibrahim, Ahmed Abou El Fotouh; Nabil Emad Lasheen, Marwan Ateya; Mohamed Salah, Emam Ashour, Mahmoud Trezeguet; Omar Marmoush.