Emam Ashour struck a wonderful opener to give Egypt a shock lead against Belgium in Seattle.
Ashour was picked out by Mohamed Salah and, having found space on the edge of the area, the Al Ahly forward took a touch before lashing a low drive past Thibaut Courtois.
The 18th-minute effort was Ashour’s first international goal for the Pharaohs.
It was reward for a robust start from Egypt who had kept a close eye on Belgium danger man Jeremy Doku with a series of strong challenges that prevented the Manchester City winger from having any meaningful impact down the left flank.
Belgium only had one half-chance in the opening 25 minutes with Kevin De Bruyne firing wide from the edge of the area.
Where to Watch Belgium v Egypt
Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 local time in Seattle on Monday, and 20:00 in the UK.
Live coverage will be available on BBC, with streaming available through the BBC iPlayer.
International broadcast options will vary by region.
Stats for Belgium v Egypt
- Belgium failed to progress beyond the group stage at the 2022 World Cup despite being among the pre-tournament favourites.
- The Red Devils scored 29 goals and conceded just seven during World Cup qualifying.
- Belgium have won three of their last four friendly matches heading into the tournament.
- Egypt qualified unbeaten from their CAF qualifying group.
- The Pharaohs are appearing at just their fourth World Cup finals.
- Egypt have won three of their four previous meetings with Belgium.
- The most recent meeting between the sides ended in a 2-1 Egypt victory in November 2022.
- Mohamed Salah remains Egypt’s key attacking threat but enters the tournament carrying a recent hamstring concern.
- Belgium have kept clean sheets in each of their last two matches.
- Romelu Lukaku is Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer and will spearhead the attack.
