Belgium face Egypt in Group G with World Cup records in focus

Belgium are opening their World Cup 2026 campaign against Egypt in Group G, according to Al Jazeera’s live coverage. The match brings together a European side with a long tournament history and an Egyptian team still looking for its first World Cup victory.

Al Jazeera reported that Belgium are appearing at the World Cup for the 15th time. The broadcaster said Belgium hold the record for the most appearances by a European team that has not won the tournament.

Belgium’s best World Cup finish came in 2018, when the team placed third, Al Jazeera said. That result remains the high point for a side that has often arrived at major tournaments with high expectations but without a title to show for it.

Egypt enter the Group G match with a shorter World Cup record. Al Jazeera reported that the Pharaohs have played at three previous editions and have not won in seven World Cup matches.

Mohamed Salah is a central figure in Egypt’s buildup, according to Al Jazeera’s Kevin Hand, who described him as the team’s talisman. Hand noted that the match falls on Salah’s 34th birthday.

Al Jazeera said its coverage includes pre-match buildup, analysis, photo coverage and live text commentary. Kevin Hand is leading the broadcaster’s live updates for the Belgium-Egypt match.

The game is part of Group G at World Cup 2026, Al Jazeera reported. The broadcaster’s early coverage framed the match around Belgium’s long search for a first World Cup title and Egypt’s pursuit of a first win on the tournament stage.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.