Doku at the heart of Belgium’s next generation ahead of Egypt test

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Belgium open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign tonight against Egypt in a Group G clash at Seattle Stadium, kicking off at 10pm Bahrain time. It is an early test between a European side rediscovering momentum and an Egyptian team quietly confident of causing problems on the global stage.

Belgium in red-hot form

The Red Devils arrive unbeaten in 13 matches and fresh off a commanding 5–0 win over Tunisia in Brussels, where five different players got on the scoresheet. Since Rudi Garcia took charge in January 2025, the squad has steadied after a turbulent spell, narrowly avoiding Nations League relegation and completing an unbeaten qualifying campaign.

They finished top of their group with 29 goals scored — second only to Norway in Europe — signalling a return to the attacking fluency that defined their peak years. But caution remains: their 2022 World Cup ended in a shock group-stage exit, with just one win and one goal scored, exposing how quickly elite status can unravel on the biggest stage.

Doku driving the new era

Much of Belgium's renewed momentum has flowed through Jérémy Doku, whose direct running and end product have made him central to their attacking evolution, with five goals and two assists in qualifying, plus two more assists in the win over Tunisia.

Romelu Lukaku remains the focal point up front, though Garcia has suggested the striker is still not at full sharpness following an injury-hit season. Even so, Belgium's all-time top scorer retains the ability to decide matches with limited chances.

Egypt arrive with belief

The Pharaohs travel with confidence, buoyed by their 2–1 win over Belgium in November 2022 in Kuwait City, when Mostafa Mohamed and Trezeguet delivered a statement result that still resonates within the squad.

Mohamed Salah remains the central figure, even after a relatively subdued final season at Liverpool by his standards, registering 14 league goal involvements — his lowest return since 2014–15. He turns 34 on matchday and will look to mark the occasion by leading Egypt to a landmark World Cup victory. In qualifying, he contributed to 60% of Egypt's goals, underlining his continued importance.

Tactical outlook

Belgium are expected to dominate possession and territory, using pace and width to stretch Egypt's defensive block. Egypt, meanwhile, are likely to stay compact, absorb pressure, and look to exploit space in transition behind Belgium's advanced full-backs.

While Belgium enter as favourites on paper, Egypt's recent head-to-head success and defensive resilience suggest this opener in Seattle could be more finely balanced than expected.