Overview
- The Group G opener in Seattle sees Belgium viewed as favorites by bookmakers with DraftKings listing Belgium at -155 and Egypt at +425.
- Coach Rudi Garcia has started a transition from the old 'Golden Generation' toward younger players such as Jérémy Doku, Amadou Onana and Charles De Ketelaere while keeping veterans like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois.
- Egypt arrive as underdogs but take confidence from a 2-1 friendly win over Belgium in 2022 and plan to defend deep and strike through Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush on the break.
- Garcia noted his familiarity with Salah from coaching him at AS Roma and said Belgium respect their group opponents, underlining a cautious approach to the tournament's opening match.
- The outcome could shape Group G momentum for both sides and is being framed in media previews and betting markets as a narrow Belgian edge with some predictions favoring a 2-1 scoreline.