Belgium vs Egypt

Belgium's golden generation has largely aged out, and the side is in a rebuild around a younger core — still talented, but no longer the fearsome unit of 2018. Egypt, organised and carried by an elite individual talisman, are a credible opponent rather than a gentle opener.

Belgium retain quality in wide areas and midfield through their Premier League and Bundesliga contingent, with an attacking identity but a back line that has lost its experienced leaders and can be exposed by pace and directness. They control games less comfortably than the previous generation.

Egypt's plan revolves around defensive organisation and feeding their world-class forward in transition — a single moment from him can decide a tight game. They are disciplined, hard to break down, and dangerous on the counter, which suits a Belgian side that likes to commit numbers forward.

Belgium will have the bulk of possession and territory; Egypt will sit compact and look to spring their talisman. The game hinges on Belgium's ability to break a disciplined block without being caught on the counter. Belgian squad depth and attacking variety should eventually tell, but Egypt are well-suited to keeping it close.

Belgium's superior depth and attacking options should edge a competitive game against a well-drilled, counter-reliant Egypt. We back Belgium to win at 1.70 with medium confidence — Egypt's organisation and transition threat make the handicap and over markets risky, so the straight result is the cleaner call.