Egypt is focused on advancing past the group stage for the first time, entering their opening match against Belgium with a long-term strategy. Coach Hossam Hassan confirmed the team’s ambition is strictly to secure enough points for the next round, not just to win a single match.
Belgium enters the contest with a formidable attack led by Kevin De Bruyne. However, Egypt plans to counter with their own stars, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, utilizing fast breaks to create scoring opportunities.
Even with a potential loss, Egypt’s path remains viable with subsequent matches against Iran and New Zealand. The nation has never won a World Cup finals match, last earning two draws in 1990 with Hassan playing up front. Egypt holds a winning 3-1 record in head-to-head matches against Belgium.