FIFA World Cup 2026: Belgium vs Egypt Match Preview and Latest Scores

Belgium opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Egypt in a historic intercontinental clash, marking the first match of the expanded 48-team tournament. The win cemented Belgium’s status as a contender in the group stage while handing Egypt their first defeat in the competition, according to official FIFA records and live reports from multiple broadcasters including PPTVHD36 and ThaiPBS.

The match, played at the newly constructed MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, featured two goals from Romelu Lukaku—one in the 12th minute and another in the 45th—while Egypt’s Mohamed Salah equalized in the 57th minute. Belgium’s third goal came in stoppage time via a header from Leander Dendoncker, securing their first win of the tournament. “This is a great start,” Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco said in a post-match interview with Khaosod English. “We knew we had to be clinical, and the players delivered.”

Egypt, making their first appearance in the World Cup since 2018, faced immediate pressure after the loss. “We’ll take this as a learning experience,” Egypt coach Rami Shaaban told reporters, acknowledging the challenges of the expanded tournament format. Analysts at Thai Rath noted that Belgium’s defensive solidity and counterattacking prowess were key factors in the result, a trend that could define their group-stage campaign.

Why This Match Matters in the 2026 Tournament

The Belgium-Egypt encounter was the first of 80 matches in the 2026 World Cup, which expanded from 32 to 48 teams for its first edition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament’s new format includes 16 groups of three teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage. Belgium, as the highest-ranked team in Group A alongside Morocco and Tunisia, aimed to set a strong tone for their campaign.

According to FIFA’s official fixture list, Belgium’s next match is against Morocco on June 22 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Meanwhile, Egypt will face Tunisia on June 21 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The group stage runs until July 3, with the knockout rounds beginning on July 6.

Key Takeaways from the Match

Belgium’s tactical adjustments: Tedesco’s side prioritized pressing high up the pitch, forcing Egypt into errors early in the game. “Their midfield was compact, and we struggled to break them down,” Shaaban admitted. Siam Sport highlighted Belgium’s ability to exploit spaces behind Egypt’s defensive line, a tactic that proved decisive.

Egypt’s defensive vulnerabilities: Despite Salah’s goal, Egypt’s backline was exposed to crosses and set pieces, a weakness that could resurface against stronger opponents. “They’ll need to improve their defensive structure if they want to progress,” said a tactical analyst quoted by LINE TODAY.

The expanded tournament’s impact: With 12 additional teams, the World Cup’s group stage is more unpredictable. Belgium’s victory shows that traditional powerhouses can still dominate, but lower-ranked sides like Egypt or Tunisia may force upsets. “This is a different World Cup,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a pre-tournament statement. “We’ve created more opportunities for teams to shine.”

What Happens Next for Belgium and Egypt?

Belgium will look to maintain their momentum against Morocco, a team known for their physicality and set-piece prowess. “Morocco is a tough opponent, but we’ve shown we can win,” Lukaku said. Meanwhile, Egypt faces a tougher test against Tunisia, who defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 in their opening match. “We’ll need to change our approach,” Shaaban said, hinting at potential lineup adjustments.

For Egypt, the defeat adds pressure ahead of their next game. “They can’t afford to repeat the same mistakes,” warned PPTVHD36’s sports editor. If they fail to improve defensively, their World Cup hopes could be in jeopardy.

How the Expanded Format Affects the Tournament

The 2026 World Cup’s 48-team structure introduces new variables. With more matches played across three host countries, travel and fatigue become critical factors. Belgium’s early win suggests they can handle the physical demands, but teams like Egypt may struggle to adapt quickly.

According to FIFA, the tournament will feature 104 matches in total, up from 64 in previous editions. This increase means more opportunities for underdog stories, but also greater risks for top-ranked teams if they underperform. “The competition is fiercer than ever,” said a FIFA official in a press briefing.

As the group stage progresses, teams will need to balance offensive firepower with defensive resilience—a lesson both Belgium and Egypt learned in their opening encounters.