Egypt Faces Belgium in High-Stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup Opener at Seattle’s Lumen Field

The Pharaohs of Egypt are set to launch their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a formidable challenge against Belgium on June 15, 2026. The opening match, scheduled to take place at the iconic Lumen Field in Seattle, marks a significant moment for both nations as they begin their quest for global glory. As the tournament kicks off across North America, this fixture is expected to be a highlight of the opening round, pitting one of Africa's most successful footballing nations against a perennial European powerhouse.

For Egypt, this tournament marks their fifth World Cup appearance, adding to their history in the 1934, 1990, and 2018 editions. Despite their continental dominance in Africa, the Pharaohs are still searching for their first-ever victory on the World Cup stage. Their current historical record stands at zero wins, two draws, and five losses, with five goals scored and twelve conceded. The North African side will be looking to talismanic forward Mohamed Salah and the clinical Omar Marmoush to provide the offensive spark needed to break their winless streak and secure a historic result.

Belgium enters the match with a more seasoned World Cup pedigree, making their 16th appearance in the finals. The 'Red Devils' reached their competitive peak in 2018 when they secured a third-place finish in Russia. Historically, Belgium holds a record of 21 wins, 10 draws, and 20 losses, having scored a total of 69 goals in the competition. To maintain their status as top contenders, the Belgian side will rely on the world-class shot-stopping of Thibaut Courtois and the creative dynamism of Jérémy Doku to navigate the Egyptian threat.

The clash at Lumen Field represents more than just a game; it is a tactical battle between Egypt’s ambition and Belgium’s tournament experience. With both teams eager to secure three points early in the group stage, the atmosphere in Seattle is expected to be electric. The outcome of this encounter will likely dictate the momentum for both squads as they navigate the expanded 48-team format of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with fans worldwide watching to see if Egypt can finally claim their elusive first win or if Belgium will assert their dominance once again.