Belgium Benches Lukaku for Group G Opener as Egypt Starts Shobeir in Goal

Q: On his 34th birthday, can Mohamed Salah finally deliver Egypt its first-ever World Cup finals victory?

Yes — but it would be a major upset rather than an expectation. Salah has the platform and the responsibility. He is Egypt’s captain, all-time focal point and arrives with 67 international goals after driving qualification with nine goals and three assists. Egypt are also better organized than in past World Cups: under Hossam Hassan they were unbeaten in qualifying, conceded only two goals in 10 matches, and have built a compact, counter-attacking side around Salah, Omar Marmoush and Emam Ashour. There are reasons to think the opportunity is real. Belgium are still talented, with Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois starting, but they are not at their 2018 peak. Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s record scorer, was left on the bench after an injury-hit season at Napoli in which he barely played. Analysts have also questioned Belgium’s transition defending and set-piece vulnerability, areas Egypt could target. Still, the odds remain against Egypt in this opener. Belgium are ranked higher, have more depth, and retain match-winners across the pitch. Egypt’s World Cup history is also stark: no wins in their previous three finals appearances and no progress beyond the group stage. Salah, while fit enough to start on his 34th birthday, is also coming off a disrupted season. So Salah can deliver Egypt’s first World Cup finals win, and this match gives him a genuine chance. But against Belgium in Seattle, it would be a landmark achievement rather than the likely outcome.

3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 15

Romelu Lukaku was left on Belgium's bench for Monday's World Cup opener against Egypt after an injury-hit season at Napoli, where he did not start a game in 2025-26.
Belgium still opened with key veterans Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne, both appearing in their fourth World Cup campaign.
Egypt handed the goalkeeper spot to Mostafa Shobeir and gave captain Mohamed Salah the start on his 34th birthday.
The match opens Group G with Egypt chasing their first World Cup finals win in their fourth appearance.