Belgium vs Egypt Lineups — FIFA World Cup 2026

Belgium vs Egypt lineups are confirmed, and FIFA lists both teams in a 4-2-3-1 for the Group G opener. Match 16 of FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played at Seattle Stadium in Seattle on Monday, June 15, 2026. Belgium start Charles De Ketelaere ahead of Romelu Lukaku, while Egypt include Hamdy Fathy and Mostafa Zico in a reshaped XI around Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.

Belgium Confirmed Lineup

Belgium's confirmed lineup stays close to the strongest pre-match projection, yet one big call stands out because De Ketelaere starts as the central forward. Thomas Meunier and Timothy Castagne start as the full-backs. Brandon Mechele and Nathan Ngoy hold the middle, while Kevin De Bruyne works behind the front line with Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard wide.

Formation listed by FIFA: 4-2-3-1.

Substitutes: Senne Lammens, Mike Penders, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper, Koni De Winter, Joaquin Seys, Axel Witsel, Diego Moreira, Hans Vanaken, Alexis Saelemaekers, Nicolas Raskin, Romelu Lukaku, Dodi Lukebakio, Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

De Ketelaere starting over Lukaku is Belgium's clearest attacking call, so Rudi Garcia has favored mobility over a fixed target man.

Jeremy Doku also keeps his place after the recent training issue, which gives Belgium its main one-v-one threat from the start.

Egypt Confirmed Lineup

Egypt's confirmed lineup brings the biggest surprise because Mohamed Abdelmonem drops to the bench and Hamdy Fathy moves into the back line. FIFA still lists a 4-2-3-1. Mohanad Lasheen and Marwan Attia hold midfield, Emam Ashour supports Omar Marmoush, and Mohamed Salah plus Mostafa Zico attack from wide areas.

Formation listed by FIFA: 4-2-3-1.

Substitutes: Mohamed El Shenawy, El Mahdy Soliman, Mohamed Alaa, Hossam Abdelmaguid, Rami Rabia, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Karim Hafez, Tarek Alaa, Nabil Emad Dunga, Mahmoud Saber, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, Hamza Abdel Karim, Haissem Hassan, Ibrahim Adel, Ahmed Sayed Zizo.

Hamdy Fathy starting in defense gives Egypt more duel strength, while Abdelmonem waits as the first experienced center-back option from the bench.

Mostafa Zico's inclusion changes the attacking balance because Egypt now have another direct runner around Salah and Marmoush.

Team News and Injury Report

Belgium's main confirmed team note is the bench role for Romelu Lukaku, while De Ketelaere gets the first central attacking nod. Zeno Debast remains unavailable, so Brandon Mechele and Nathan Ngoy keep the central defensive jobs from kickoff.

Egypt answer with Salah in the starting XI after the recent hamstring concern, which removes the biggest pre-match doubt. The other selection call is Abdelmonem on the bench, with Hamdy Fathy trusted in the back line and Mostafa Zico preferred in attack.

Belgium vs Egypt — Key Tactical Battle

Belgium's clearest route is still the same because Kevin De Bruyne can feed Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard early from central pockets. Egypt's answer depends on Lasheen and Attia closing those lanes fast enough to keep Salah and Marmoush available for transition breaks.

Hamdy Fathy's defensive role is another swing point. If he handles De Ketelaere's movement cleanly, Egypt can stay compact and release Salah earlier. If Belgium drag him into wider spaces, the middle may open for late runs.

The confirmed shapes still point toward Belgium controlling more possession, while Egypt look built for quicker vertical attacks.

Match Details

Frequently Asked Questions

The confirmed lineups show Belgium choosing mobility over a Lukaku start, while Egypt back Salah, Marmoush, and a more defensive-minded spine.

That should make the opening midfield battle decisive from the first whistle.

Read Also: Belgium vs Egypt — FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Preview and Prediction