World Cup 2026: Belgium vs Egypt Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds supplied by Betway, accurate when published.

Egypt stand between Belgium and a winning start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign at Lumen Field in Seattle, where the game gets underway at 21:00 CAT on Tuesday, June 16. Rudi Garcia's men come in flying after four wins from their last five outings, and a squad shaped around Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku will want three points to open their Group G challenge. The Pharaohs answer with the world class menace of Mohamed Salah and an organised, industrious setup that is tough to pick apart. Find all our World Cup betting tips in our dedicated section.

Belgium

Belgium go in as firm favourites, and as I see it Garcia's attacking style should trouble Egypt right from kickoff. De Bruyne is still elite as the number ten, Doku brings real speed on the flank, and the recent victories over Tunisia and away in Croatia proved how fast this team can strike on the break, netting seven goals over those two matches. The Red Devils have no new injury or suspension worries going into the tournament, so Garcia has his best side available for the opener. Look for a composed, attacking display with Belgium ahead by the break.

Probable Lineup: Courtois; Meunier, Mechele, Theate, Castagne; Tielemans, De Bruyne, Witsel; Trossard, Lukaku, Doku.

Egypt

Egypt will sit deep and look to break quickly through Salah, and I think that counter punching approach gives them their best shot at something against superior opposition. Hossam Hassan's side made the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals in January and boast genuine Premier League class in Salah and Omar Marmoush. Salah comes in needing only two goals to equal Egypt's all-time scoring record, and he is the man most likely to make Belgium pay for any slip. Expect the Pharaohs to keep their lines tight and spend long periods without possession.

Probable Lineup: El Shenawy; Hany, Abdelmaguid, Rabia, Fattouh; Attia, Fathi, Ashour; Salah, Mostafa Mohamed, Marmoush.

There is simply too much class in this Belgium team, and I back De Bruyne and Doku to break down a deep Egyptian defence before the hour mark. Salah will be a threat on the counter, yet I think Belgium boss the match and stay solid at the back. My Belgium vs Egypt call: Belgium 2 Egypt 0.

BTTS: No (1.82)

My pick is BTTS: No, because I believe Egypt will focus on staying compact and find it hard to carve out clear openings against a settled Belgian defence. Salah can hurt anyone, but Belgium have looked tidy at the back during their recent winning streak. At 1.82 this is the most reliable value available.