Egypt will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Belgium on Monday with a favourable head-to-head record offering encouragement ahead of one of the most anticipated fixtures in their group-stage schedule.
The Pharaohs have been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, with the opening match expected to provide an early indication of their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
While Belgium have long been regarded as one of Europe’s strongest football nations, past meetings between the two sides suggest Egypt have often found success against their upcoming opponents.
Strong Historical Record Favours the Pharaohs
Before their latest encounter on the global stage, Egypt can take confidence from a series of positive results against Belgium in previous years.
The two nations have met four times, with all of those matches taking place as international friendlies. Across those meetings, Egypt have emerged victorious on three occasions, while Belgium have secured just one win.
The statistics also underline Egypt’s success in the fixture. The Pharaohs have scored seven goals in those four matches, compared with four for Belgium.
Although historical records do not determine the outcome of future contests, they provide evidence that Egypt have consistently been able to compete strongly against the European side.
First Victory Came in 1999
The first meeting between the two countries took place in February 1999.
On that occasion, Egypt claimed a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from former national team star Hazem Emam.
The result marked a memorable start to the fixture’s history and gave Egypt an early advantage in the head-to-head record.
For several years, that remained the only meeting between the teams before they faced each other again in 2005.
Egypt Produce Dominant Display in 2005
The second encounter proved even more emphatic for the Pharaohs.
In February 2005, Egypt recorded a commanding 4-0 victory over Belgium in one of the most convincing performances between the two nations.
Former striker Emad Moteab scored twice during the match, while Osama Hosni and Ahmed Eid Abdel Malek also found the net.
The victory reinforced Egypt’s dominance in the fixture and further strengthened their record against the Belgian side.
Belgium Respond in 2018
Belgium’s only victory over Egypt came in June 2018.
Ahead of that year’s World Cup, the European nation secured a 3-0 win, producing their strongest performance in the series.
The goals were scored by Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Marouane Fellaini.
The result ended Egypt’s winning run in the fixture and remains Belgium’s sole success against the Pharaohs.
Most Recent Meeting Ended in Egyptian Celebration
The latest chapter in the rivalry arrived in November 2022.
Egypt returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory, delivering another confidence-boosting result against Belgium.
Goals from Mostafa Mohamed and Mahmoud Trezeguet secured the win for the Pharaohs, while Loïs Openda scored Belgium’s only goal.
That triumph ensured Egypt maintained their overall advantage in the head-to-head record and provided a reminder of their ability to overcome one of Europe’s leading teams.
World Cup Test Awaits
As Egypt prepare to launch their Group G campaign, previous encounters offer reasons for optimism but will have little bearing once the teams step onto the pitch.
With Belgium, Iran and New Zealand all standing between the Pharaohs and a place in the knockout rounds, a positive start could prove crucial to their ambitions at the 2026 World Cup.
History may favour Egypt, but Monday’s meeting presents a new challenge. The Pharaohs will be aiming to continue their impressive record against Belgium and begin their World Cup journey with a statement victory on football’s biggest stage.
