Belgium and Egypt open Group G in Seattle in a match that puts European depth against Africa’s oldest and most storied footballing nation. These two have not met at a World Cup before, which makes this a genuine opening chapter between two proud traditions.

Belgium’s World Cup story is one of brilliant individuals and the elusive team prize. Their 2018 campaign in Russia produced their best finish, third place, with a golden generation featuring Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Eden Hazard at their peaks. That team defeated Brazil in the quarter-finals in one of the tournament’s most memorable matches. The 2022 Qatar tournament was far less impressive, an early exit that signalled the generation was fading. By 2026, Belgium will be in transition, building around a new core.

Egypt have a World Cup history that stretches back further than most African nations realise. They were the first African team to participate in a World Cup, appearing in 1934 in Italy. Their modern era appearances came in 1990, where they reached the round of sixteen. Mohamed Salah’s generation has repeatedly come close to qualification without getting there, and Egypt’s arrival at 2026 represents a significant achievement for their federation and their fans.

Lumen Field in Seattle is one of the loudest venues in American sports. The stadium sits beside Elliott Bay with a backdrop that photographers love, and it has hosted major international matches before. Seattle has a growing soccer culture, anchored by Sounders FC, and World Cup matches here tend to draw intense crowds.

For Belgium, this is a chance to establish themselves early in a competitive group. For Egypt, it is a statement of arrival. Both nations have reasons to be motivated, and both arrive with tactical quality.