Belgium vs. Egypt Predicted Starting Lineups: Starting 11 For Group G Opening Match
The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues Monday as Belgium and Egypt square off in a Group G matchup featuring one of Europe’s traditional powers against an Egyptian side led by one of the game’s biggest stars.
Belgium enter the contest looking to begin their World Cup campaign with a strong performance behind a talented blend of experienced veterans and emerging players. Egypt, meanwhile, will rely on the leadership and attacking brilliance of Mohamed Salah as they attempt to secure a positive result against one of the tournament’s strongest squads.
With valuable group-stage points on the line and both teams eager to start their campaign on the right foot, this matchup could have a significant impact on the race to advance from Group G.
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Belgium Predicted Starting Lineup
Belgium are expected to deploy a balanced and attack-minded formation built around a talented midfield and dangerous attacking trio. Thibaut Courtois is projected to start in goal behind a back four consisting of Thomas Meunier, Brandon Mechele, Nathan Ngoy, and Timothy Castagne.
In midfield, Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans should provide defensive stability and ball progression from deeper positions. Their ability to control possession and distribute the ball efficiently will be crucial in helping Belgium dictate the tempo of the match.
Further forward, Leandro Trossard and Jérémy Doku are expected to operate from wide areas alongside Kevin De Bruyne in a central creative role. De Bruyne remains the focal point of Belgium’s attack thanks to his vision and passing ability, while Trossard and Doku provide pace, creativity, and one-on-one quality in dangerous areas.
Leading the line is expected to be Charles De Ketelaere, whose technical ability and movement give Belgium another dangerous option in the final third.
- GK: Thibaut Courtois
- RB: Thomas Meunier
- CB: Brandon Mechele
- CB: Nathan Ngoy
- LB: Timothy Castagne
- CM: Amadou Onana
- CM: Youri Tielemans
- RW: Leandro Trossard
- AM: Kevin De Bruyne
- LW: Jérémy Doku
- ST: Charles De Ketelaere
Egypt Predicted Starting Lineup
Egypt are expected to line up in a disciplined system built around defensive organization and the attacking quality of their star players.
Mostafa Shobeir should start in goal behind a back four of Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Hamdy Fathy, and Ahmed El Fotouh. The defensive unit will be tasked with containing Belgium’s talented attack while remaining compact and organized throughout the match.
In midfield, Mohanad Lasheen and Marwan Ateya are projected to anchor the center of the pitch, providing defensive cover and helping Egypt transition from defense to attack. Emam Ashour is expected to operate in a more advanced role, linking midfield with the frontline and creating opportunities in the final third.
Mohamed Salah and Mostafa Ziko are projected to provide width and attacking support from the flanks, while Omar Marmoush leads the line. Marmoush’s pace and movement make him a dangerous threat in transition, while Salah remains Egypt’s primary attacking weapon and one of the most influential players in the tournament.
- GK: Mostafa Shobeir
- RB: Mohamed Hany
- CB: Yasser Ibrahim
- CB: Hamdy Fathy
- LB: Ahmed El Fotouh
- CM: Mohanad Lasheen
- CM: Marwan Ateya
- RW: Mohamed Salah
- AM: Emam Ashour
- LW: Mostafa Ziko
- ST: Omar Marmoush
Team News & Key Absences
Belgium enter the tournament with a strong blend of experience and youth. Courtois, De Bruyne, and Tielemans provide leadership throughout the spine of the team, while Doku and De Ketelaere offer additional attacking quality capable of troubling any defense.
Egypt will rely heavily on Salah and Marmoush to create scoring opportunities against a talented Belgian side. The partnership between the two attackers gives Egypt legitimate counterattacking threat, while Ashour’s creativity in midfield could prove important in unlocking opportunities in transition.
With both teams expected to have the majority of their preferred starters available, execution in key moments could ultimately determine the outcome.
Match Outlook & Resources
Belgium enter the match as favorites thanks to their depth, midfield quality, and attacking talent. De Bruyne remains one of the world’s premier playmakers, while Doku, Trossard, and De Ketelaere provide multiple avenues for creating scoring chances.
Egypt, however, possess enough talent to challenge any opponent when Salah and Marmoush are at their best. If the Pharaohs can remain organized defensively and capitalize on counterattacking opportunities, they have the tools to make life difficult for Belgium.
With both teams looking to secure valuable points in their opening Group G fixture, expect a competitive contest where individual quality and tactical discipline could ultimately determine the result.
AP Images/Geert Vanden Wijngaert
