Belgium will look to make an early statement in Group G when they take on Egypt on Monday, with coach Rudi Garcia calling on his players to treat the clash like a World Cup final.
With Iran and New Zealand completing the group, Belgium and Egypt are considered the leading contenders for top spot, making the opening encounter a potentially pivotal one.
“We want to focus on our strengths and take the initiative,” Garcia said.
“We really need to go all-in tomorrow as if it is the final.”
Garcia was full of praise for Egypt, describing the Pharaohs as one of the strongest African sides ever assembled.
Led by Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, Egypt arrive with a reputation for both attacking quality and defensive solidity.
“It is one of the best African squads of all time,” Garcia said. “But every team has weaknesses and we will see if we can exploit them.”
Belgium are eager to avoid a repeat of their disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign, when they were eliminated in the group stage despite entering the tournament with high expectations.
Garcia, however, is keeping his targets realistic.
“We want to get out of the group stage first, but our aim is also to finish top of the group,” he said.
The match will mark Garcia’s first World Cup game as a head coach and Youri Tielemans’ first major tournament as Belgium captain.
The midfielder expects nerves to play a part but believes Belgium must embrace the challenge.
“Every first game is nervous,” Tielemans said. “It’s up to us to start well, play without regrets and give everything.”
