Belgium v Egypt · OurXI

★ The storyline

Desert Clash: Belgium's Pedigree Meets Egypt's Knockout Hunger

Belgium arrives as tournament veterans with a proven spine, but Egypt has shown they can score and trouble defences in this World Cup. The Round of 32 matchup will test whether Belgium's continental experience can withstand Egypt's attacking momentum. This is the kind of tie where either side believes they can advance—and either could be right.

Egypt AttackBelgium ExperienceBreel Embolo

Source: FOX Sports — via web search

WildcardDeveloping

Belgium are held by Egypt

A point, not three. Belgium drew 1–1 with Egypt in the group stage — not a disaster, but the kind of afternoon that makes the final round of matches feel a little tighter.

TalismanDeveloping

Belgium's Defensive Test Against a Resurgent Senegal

Belgium face a stern examination of their defensive resolve in the Round of 32 when they meet a dangerous Senegal side fresh off a convincing victory. The Belgian backline will need to tighten considerably after a mixed qualifying run that included losses to both the USA and Norway alongside victories over Tunisia and Croatia. This is the kind of knockout-stage test that separates tournament contenders from pretenders.

Belgium Squad

Source: FOX Sports — via web search

Why it matters

Group stage, Group G — points on the line.

Who to watch

Talisman

Kevin De Bruyne

Belgium

The creative heartbeat Belgium will lean on to make their attacking edge count.

Talisman

Mohamed Salah

Egypt

The gravity of this team — Egypt rise and fall on whether he can find space.

Developing

Belgium are through to the last 32

Belgium are into the last 32. Job done in the group, and now the tournament really begins — one-and-done from here, every match a final.

Developing

Egypt are through to the last 32

Egypt are into the last 32. Job done in the group, and now the tournament really begins — one-and-done from here, every match a final.

Developing

Belgium bow out

And there it ends. Belgium fall to Spain, and a summer of following them is over. It stings now — but what a ride it was, and there's no shame in going out swinging.

Developing

Belgium bow out

And there it ends. Belgium fall to Spain 2–1 in the quarter-finals, and a summer of following them is over. It stings now — but what a ride it was, and there's no shame in going out swinging.