Belgium vs Egypt: De Bruyne Ready to Dominate as Salah Chases Birthday Miracle

June 15, 2026

Kevin De Bruyne's tournament has barely started and he already looks hungry to prove a point. Belgium's captain, 35 years old and in what most expect to be his final World Cup, took training this morning with a focus and intensity that suggested he has not shown up in Seattle merely to make up the numbers. Egypt and Mohamed Salah are about to find out exactly how much De Bruyne still has left.

Kevin De Bruyne playing for Belgium — Kevin De Bruyne leading Belgium. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Two Narratives, One Stage

The beauty of this Group G fixture is that it offers competing narratives of equal weight. On one side, you have Belgium — experienced, technically brilliant, driven by a midfield maestro who is probably playing his last major tournament at full powers. On the other, Egypt and Salah — the king of the Nile, celebrating his 34th birthday today, desperate to give his country their first ever World Cup victory.

Salah arrives at the 2026 World Cup having left Liverpool after an emotional farewell and signed with a new challenge. He remains one of the most dangerous attackers in world football, capable of deciding any match in a single moment. But he cannot do it alone, and Egypt's supporting cast will need to perform against a Belgium side that possesses genuine quality in every area of the pitch.

Belgium's Dangerous Depth

De Bruyne is the obvious threat, but he is far from Belgium's only weapon. Jérémy Doku's pace on the right flank has been terrifying defenders all season. Romelu Lukaku, despite slowing slightly with age, remains a physical presence who can score in the moments that matter. And their defensive structure, organized and disciplined under their new coach, looks more solid than in some previous tournaments.

If De Bruyne gets time on the ball — which he usually finds a way to — Egypt will face questions they do not have easy answers to.

Egypt's Path to Shock the World

Egypt's best chance involves keeping the game tight in the first half, frustrating Belgium, limiting space in behind, and then unleashing Salah in a moment of transition. It is a well-worn plan against top European sides. The question is whether their players can execute it under the intensity of a World Cup occasion.

If Salah scores on his birthday and Egypt win, it would rank among the most memorable moments in African football history. Lumen Field is already buzzing. The world is watching.