Two of football’s biggest modern icons, Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah, will headline one of the most anticipated matches of the opening week of the FIFA World Cup 2026 when Belgium take on Egypt in their Group G opener at Seattle Stadium on Tuesday, June 16.

The clash could have a significant bearing on the final group standings. Belgium and Egypt are widely viewed as the strongest teams in Group G, which also includes Iran and New Zealand, making this encounter a potential battle for top spot and a favourable path into the knockout rounds.

Yet, with several underdogs already troubling established powers at the tournament, neither side can afford to take qualification for granted. A victory would not only provide a crucial three points but also ease the pressure ahead of tricky fixtures later in the group stage, where any slip-up could prove costly.

Egypt looking to end 92-year wait

Egypt arrive at the tournament carrying the weight of history. Despite being one of Africa’s most successful football nations with seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, the Egyptian side has never won a match at the FIFA World Cup.

Their previous appearances in 1934, 1990 and 2018 produced two draws and five defeats, leaving them still searching for a first victory on football’s biggest stage. The 2026 tournament presents another opportunity to break that unwanted record and potentially reach the knockout rounds for the first time.

Head coach Hossam Hassan believes his side has the quality to compete with Belgium and challenge for qualification, particularly with experienced stars such as Salah, Marmoush and Trezeguet leading the attack.

Belgium looking for another strong start

Belgium enter the tournament as favourites to top Group G despite no longer possessing the depth that defined their golden generation.

The Red Devils endured a disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup and are eager to make amends in North America. Coach Rudi Garcia has repeatedly stressed the importance of starting with a victory against Egypt in what is widely viewed as the key match in the group.

Belgium remain packed with elite-level experience. Thibaut Courtois is among the world’s best goalkeepers, Romelu Lukaku continues to lead the line, while De Bruyne remains one of football’s finest creators. Emerging talents such as Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere add pace and unpredictability to the attack.

Belgium’s full squad for FIFA World Cup 2026: Thibaut Courtois, Zeno Debast, Arthur Theate, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Romelu Lukaku, Leandro Trossard, Jeremy Doku, Senne Lammens, Mike Penders, Dodi Lukebakio, Thomas Meunier, Koni De Winter, Charles De Ketelaere, Joaquin Seys, Diego Moreira, Hans Vanaken, Timothy Castagne, Alexis Saelemaekers, Nicolas Raskin, Amadou Onana, Nathan Ngoy, Matias Fernandez Pardo.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Belgium vs Egypt predicted starting 11

Belgium starting 11 (probable): Courtois; Meunier, Mechele, Ngoy, Castagne; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere.

Egypt starting 11 (probable): Shobeir; Hany, Abdelmonem, Ibrahim, El Fotouh; Lasheen, Attia; Salah, Ashour, Trezeguet; Marmoush.

Belgium vs Egypt: Head-to-head numbers

• 
  Total meetings: 4
• 
  Egypt wins: 2
• 
  Belgium wins: 2
• 
  Draws: 0
• 
  Last meeting: Egypt 2-1 Belgium (International Friendly, November 2022)

Recent meetings:

• 
  Egypt 2-1 Belgium (2022)
• 
  Belgium 3-0 Egypt (2018)
• 
  Egypt 4-0 Belgium (2005)
• 
  Belgium 2-1 Egypt (1999)

Salah vs De Bruyne: The biggest battle in the game

Few World Cup opening matches can boast a duel as compelling as Mohamed Salah versus Kevin De Bruyne. Both players are regarded among the finest footballers of their generation and remain the undisputed leaders of their respective national teams despite entering the latter stages of their careers.

Salah arrives at the tournament as Egypt’s captain, all-time leading scorer and biggest hope of finally guiding his side beyond the group stage. The former Liverpool star was instrumental in qualification and remains Egypt’s most dangerous attacking weapon thanks to his pace, finishing and ability to deliver in decisive moments.

De Bruyne, meanwhile, remains the creative force behind Belgium’s attack. The midfielder has been the heartbeat of Belgium’s golden generation for more than a decade and enters another World Cup determined to lead his country on a deep tournament run. His vision, passing range and ability to create chances from seemingly impossible situations make him one of the most influential midfielders in football history.

While Salah will be tasked with finishing Egypt’s opportunities, De Bruyne will be responsible for creating Belgium’s. Their individual brilliance has the potential to swing the contest in their team’s favour, making this battle between two modern greats one of the headline attractions of the opening round of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Other big names to look out for in Belgium vs Egypt clash

Apart from Salah and De Bruyne, several other stars could have a major influence on the contest.

Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

Romelu Lukaku remains Belgium’s most reliable source of goals heading into the World Cup. The veteran striker is the nation’s all-time leading scorer and continues to deliver in major tournaments.

His strength, aerial ability and clinical finishing make him a constant threat inside the penalty area. Against Egypt, Belgium will look to Lukaku to convert chances and provide the decisive moments needed to secure victory.

Jeremy Doku (Belgium)

Jeremy Doku brings a different dimension to Belgium’s attack with his electrifying pace and fearless dribbling. The winger thrives in one-on-one situations and has the ability to break open tightly contested matches.

His direct running can force defenders into mistakes and create space for team-mates. If Belgium struggle to break down Egypt’s defence, Doku’s creativity and unpredictability could prove invaluable.

Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

Thibaut Courtois remains one of the finest goalkeepers in world football and a key figure in Belgium’s squad. His shot-stopping ability, command of the penalty area and vast tournament experience provide confidence to the entire team. In World Cup football, goalkeepers often determine results in close matches.

Courtois’ ability to make crucial saves could be vital against Egypt’s dangerous attack.

Omar Marmoush (Egypt)

Omar Marmoush has developed into one of Egypt’s most important attacking players and offers the perfect complement to Mohamed Salah. His pace, intelligent movement and finishing ability make him a constant danger on the counterattack.

Marmoush ensures opponents cannot focus solely on Salah, creating a more balanced attack. His partnership with Egypt’s captain could be crucial in unlocking Belgium’s defence.

Trezeguet (Egypt)

Trezeguet brings valuable experience and leadership to Egypt’s World Cup squad. Having represented his country in multiple major tournaments, he understands the demands of performing on football’s biggest stage.

The versatile attacker contributes both offensively and defensively through his work rate and commitment. His experience can help guide younger team-mates, while his knack for scoring important goals remains a major asset.

Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt)

Mohamed El Shenawy will play a crucial role in Egypt’s hopes of making a strong start to the tournament. The captain is a commanding presence in goal and provides leadership throughout the team.

His experience in high-pressure matches has made him one of Africa’s most respected goalkeepers. Against Belgium’s star-studded attack, El Shenawy’s saves could prove the difference between success and defeat.

BEL vs EGY FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Highlights© AFP

Iran vs New Zealand LIVE Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Updates: Iran and New Zealand are set to clash for the first time at a FIFA World Cup when they meet in the Group G opener at the Los Angeles Stadium on Tuesday. Both dazzled in qualification, with Iran losing only one game in a 16-match saunter to what will be a seventh outing at the global showpiece. New Zealand reached a World Cup on the back of a flawless campaign in Oceania, where they won all five matches, scoring 29 goals and conceding just the once. Iran are heading to a seventh FIFA World Cup (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026), looking to reach the knockout stage for the first time. On the other hand, New Zealand have qualified for a third FIFA World Cup (1982, 2010, 2026). After a difficult first foray at Spain in 1982, the All Whites’ next adventure was almost 28 days later in 2010 in South Africa. (Match Center Live)

Iran vs New Zealand LIVE Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Match LIVE Updates:

Saudi Arabia held two-time champions Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup opener on Monday, four years after defeating future champions Argentina in their debut match in Qatar. Abdulelah Al Amri’s opener for ​the ‌Gulf nation was cancelled out ⁠by Maxi Araujo in a game where both sides ‌profited from goalkeeping errors.

The draw means the two teams are level in Group H with Spain and tournament newcomers Cape Verde, who earlier made history by holding off the European champions in their first ever appearance on football’s biggest stage.

Read moreDebutants Cape Verde hold European champions Spain to shock draw

The first half was ⁠dominated by Uruguay but Saudi Arabia took the lead against the run of ​play in the 41st minute ‌when Fernando Muslera made a costly error on a set-piece, parrying the ball into the ‌path of Al Amri who poked the ball past ​the veteran keeper.

The majority of the second period was played in Saudi Arabia’s half as Uruguay ​frantically searched for an equaliser and ​their persistence paid off when ​goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais also made an error when a ​save fell nicely for Araujo to fire home.

This page will be updated soon.

NBA champion Karl-Anthony Towns is singing his finacée, Jordyn Woods‘, praises after his team’s electrifying win over the San Antonio Spurs. During the post-game press conference, Anthony Towns, often referred to as KAT, opened up about the key role Woods played in his life after the loss of his mother in April 2020.

Anthony Towns, 28, was all smiles on Saturday, June 13, after his team (New York Knicks) won the 2026 NBA Finals. During the post-game conference, the 7-foot elite athlete praised his partner, Woods, and credited her for holding him down after the loss of his mother in April 2020.

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“Her presence is always felt in my life,” Anthony Towns said about his mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, who died in 2020 from complications with COVID-19.

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According to Anthony Towns, although the loss was challenging, his relationship with Woods kept him steady. “You always pray you’re going to pick the right woman for you, and I know I did in my fiancée,” he said.

“It’s crazy, when she passed, there was so much turmoil in my life. Funny enough, my fiancée was the one who was a friend at the time, was the only person I got to call before I had to go out there and say bye to her at the hospital,” he continued.

Karl-Anthony Towns Says His ‘Bond’ With Fiancée, Woods, Goes Beyond What People Can See

Anthony Towns continued boasting about his connection with Woods, telling the media that their “bond … goes deeper than just physical features and everything like that.” The University of Kentucky alum went on to say that their relationship began after years of “true friendship.”

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Regarding his late mother, Anthony Towns said that he attempts to connect with her in other ways. “In moments of true pressure and a lot of things going on, I always feel this calming come to me, and it’s always her,” he said, adding that it’s “great” to “always feel her arms around me and always to feel her love in my life, in so many different ways.”

Anthony Towns added that he didn’t feel that kind of love in his life following her death until he connected with Woods. “It really means a lot that, in a way —without sounding weird—Jackie Jr. was able to be here celebrating this moment with me,” he said.

Woods Said Her Relationship With Karl-Anthony Towns Was Built On ‘Friendship’

According to a previous report from The Blast, Woods opened up about her relationship with Anthony Towns, revealing that it was built on two things: friendship and trust.

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The influencer and TV personality said that the pair started as besties before things eventually progressed between them. “We’ve been through a lot together,” she said. “We’ve seen each other at all different ways, times, and phases, so I think we have a very strong foundation.”

In December 2025, the pair made headlines after posting about their engagement on social media. Major celebrities, including Angel Reese, Kylie Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Simone Biles, congratulated the superstar couple on their special moment.

Anthony Towns wasn’t the only Knicks player to get emotional following their thrilling win on Saturday. According to PEOPLE, Jalen Brunson was also overcome with emotion, especially after seeing his dad, Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson.

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“I was good. [After] the final buzzer, I walked right to half court, shook Mitch Johnson’s hand, and then turned around. My dad was there,” he said. “I just remember Josh [Hart] talking into my ear and him just saying, like, ‘We did it. We did it,’ and then I was emotional for a good like 5, 10 minutes.”

Brunson Said Josh Hart Sent Him And His Teammate A Special Text Following Knicks’ Win

And the emotions didn’t stop there. Brunson spoke with “The Today Show” after their win and told the hosts that Hart sent him and his teammate, Mikal Bridges, a special text the day after becoming NBA champions.

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“He said, ‘I don’t know if I can say this in person because I may be emotional, but I really love you guys, and it really means the most to me to know you guys are here doing this with me.’ We have a special bond,” Brunson said.

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Brunson, Bridges, and Hart all played together at Villanova, winning an NCAA championship together in 2016.

“When we were younger, we all had a goal of obviously trying to make the NBA,” Brunson added. “In that long-term goal, we were able to achieve something great in college.”

Brunson continued, boasting about their “awesome” connection. He said, “We all have love for each other.”

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The Karl-Anthony Towns Sings Jordyn Woods’ Praises Following NBA Finals Win first appeared on The Blast

Abasiofon Uwah has spoken out after the controversy that followed the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Super Six final day, where she was involved in a mix-up over the top scorer award.

Abasiofon Uwah of Rivers Angels and Atume Doosuur both finished the season with 13 goals each, but only one award portrait was initially presented, leading to tension between the two players.

In a statement released on Monday evening, Uwah explained her emotions at the time and admitted she could have handled the situation better.

“To everyone who has reached out, thank you for caring, and I want to be honest with you,” she wrote.

She said her reaction was not out of anger towards her fellow striker, but because of what the award meant to her after a long season.

“Atume and I both gave everything this season to finish as joint top scorers. When only one award was presented, I held on, not out of anger, but because I had poured my heart into this season and that trophy represented every sacrifice I made,” she said.

Uwah also admitted she reflected on her actions after the incident.

“Still, looking back, I could have handled that moment better, and I acknowledge that,” she added.

She was quick to clear any misunderstanding between her and Doosuur, stressing that there was no bad blood.

“There is no bad blood between Atume and I. We represent each other as players and as people,” she said.

Uwah further confirmed that the issue had been resolved, as both players would now receive their awards.

“The league has done the right thing by ensuring we each receive our award, and I’m truly grateful for that,” she added.

She ended her message by dedicating her achievement to her teammates, coaches, and fans who supported her throughout the season.

Uwah, who captained Ibom Angels last season and won the Federation Cup top scorer award before joining Rivers Angels, was one of the standout performers in the NWFL Season.

International industry lobbying associations are calling for physical activity and strength training to be deeply integrated with GLP-1 treatment.

Five organisations – UK Active, the Health and Fitness Association, the HFA Foundation, AusActive, Exercise New Zealand and Fitness Industry Council of Canada – have joined forces following a multinational study which found that pairing GLP-1 therapy with regular structured exercise would improve long-term health outcomes, reduce downstream costs and generate positive economic returns across multiple countries. 

Developed by FTI Consulting’s Center for Healthcare Economics and Policy, the white paper From Weight Loss to Lasting Value: Structured Exercise and the Economics of GLP-1 Therapy compares impacts of GLP-1 therapy as a standalone obesity treatment with GLP-1 therapy combined with exercise. 

Adding structured exercise to GLP-1 therapy can help patients preserve muscle during weight loss; maintain strength, mobility, and bone health; keep more weight off over time; reduce weight regain after stopping medication and lower the risk of costly health events later on. 

The trade associations are calling for structured exercise, including strength training, to be an essential part of obesity care and embedded into GLP-1 care models. They are also asking for patients to be supported to find qualified exercise professionals and fitness facilities and for referral pathways to be built between healthcare providers and qualified exercise professionals and fitness facilities and for outcomes beyond weight loss to be measured, such as long-term weight loss and economic value.

The analysis used a health-economic model adapted across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the United States. Across all five countries the analysis found that a combined approach supports improved long-term health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and produced positive economic returns. 

Greta Wagner, interim president and CEO of the Health and Fitness Association and president of the HFA Foundation, says: “The health and fitness industry has long known that lasting wellness requires more than a number on a scale, it requires strength, function, and sustainable healthy life habits.  

“This research confirms that exercise, especially strength training, helps patients sustain the benefits of GLP-1 treatment over time.”  

Cameron Saunders, CEO of UK Active, says: “The evidence is clear and the bill for inaction is one that health systems cannot keep picking up. Our members are ready to be delivery partners – we have the facilities, the professionals and programmes to make it happen at scale.”  

In the UK, combining regular exercise with GLP-1 therapy could generate an estimated £2.7bn in economic and societal value over 10 years and a 164 per cent return on investment, rising to 717 per cent and £13bn over 30 years.

For the US, the economic and societal value over 10 years was estimated at US$120bn  and a 496 per cent return on investment, rising to 1,572 per cent and US$393bn over 30 years. 

Estimates for Australia were A$182m in economic and societal value over 10 years and a 59 per cent return on investment, rising to 457 per cent and A$1.4bn over 30 years. 

Canada could expect to generate C$3.5bn in economic and societal value over 10 years and a 105 per cent return on investment, rising to 526 per cent and C$17.9bn over 30 years. 

For New Zealand: the figures were NZ$51m in economic and societal value over 10 years and a 27 per cent return on investment, rising to 306 per cent and NZ$592m over 30 years. 

Few expected Cabo Verde to leave Atlanta with anything from their first-ever FIFA World Cup match. Fewer still expected them to shut out one of the tournament favourites.

Yet after more than 90 minutes of relentless Spanish pressure, Cabo Verde emerged with a historic 0-0 draw against Spain in Group H, producing a defensive display that will be remembered as one of the nation’s greatest footballing achievements.

Early warning signs ignored

Spain dominated possession from the opening whistle and spent much of the evening camped inside the Cabo Verde half. However, every attack was met by a blue wall that refused to crack.

The opening stages set the tone for the contest. Spain monopolised possession while Cabo Verde struggled to build from the back under intense pressure.

By the 16th minute, Pedri had already tested goalkeeper Vozinha after being picked out by Rodri on the edge of the box. The effort lacked power, but it served as an early warning that Spain would continue to come.

A few minutes later, Spain had already established more than 60 per cent possession, yet Cabo Verde’s compact shape ensured the favourites were largely restricted to efforts from less dangerous positions.

When Ryan Mendes attempted to launch attacks from the right flank, Marc Cucurella tracked back quickly, but Cabo Verde remained patient and committed to their defensive structure.

Vozinha’s first-half heroics

The defining moments of the first half arrived in the closing stages.

In the 36th minute, Pedri struck from outside the box and forced Vozinha into a smart save as Spain increased the pressure. Two minutes later came the moment that could have changed the game.

Rodri floated a superb pass into the penalty area for Cucurella, whose header back across goal found Mikel Oyarzabal. The Spain forward’s header beat Vozinha but crashed against the post. As the rebound fell kindly to Ferran Torres, the goalkeeper seemed beaten.

Instead, Vozinha reacted brilliantly to tip Torres’ effort over the crossbar and preserve the deadlock with one of the saves of the tournament so far.

Spain continued to push before half-time. In the 45th minute, Torres tested the goalkeeper once again, while deep into stoppage time Aymeric Laporte met a corner with a powerful header. Vozinha was equal to that too, producing another excellent save to send Spain into the break frustrated despite registering 12 shots.

The blue wall stands firm

Spain returned after half-time with renewed urgency. In the 56th minute, Rodri found Cucurella on the left, and the full-back delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Fabian Ruiz met it with a free header but directed the effort straight at Vozinha.

A minute later, Laporte tried his luck from distance, while Spain continued to flood forward in search of an opener.

As the pressure increased, every Cabo Verde defender contributed. Borges cleared crosses, Cabral tracked runners, and the midfield worked tirelessly to close spaces around Pedri and Rodri.

Even when Lamine Yamal entered the match in the 71st minute, Cabo Verde adapted quickly. The teenage star repeatedly found himself facing two or three defenders whenever he received possession near the box.

Lopes leads the resistance

If Vozinha was the hero in goal, Roberto Lopes was the commander in front of him. The centre-back grew in influence as the match entered its closing stages.

In the 87th minute, Yamal produced a clever cross that found Dani Olmo, who controlled and laid the ball into the path of Oyarzabal. The Spain striker looked set to score, only for Lopes to throw himself in front of the shot and make a crucial block.

Moments later, Spain introduced Nico Williams for one final push. But Lopes was not finished.

A night for the history books

The statistics will show Spain dominated possession, created more chances and spent most of the match on the front foot.

What they will not fully capture is the discipline, resilience and determination that Cabo Verde displayed throughout the night.

From Vozinha’s saves in the first half to Lopes’ late interventions and the collective effort of every player in blue, Cabo Verde delivered a defensive masterclass.

For Spain, it felt like two points dropped, but for Cabo Verde, it felt like history had been made.