Belgium open their World Cup against Egypt in Seattle

It starts today

Belgium kick off their World Cup against Egypt in Seattle this Monday at 21:00 Belgian time (1) (9). Your group-stage opener at Lumen Field, and the wait is over.

The Red Devils say they are well prepared (11). Egypt's coach has a message of his own: "Be careful of us" (10).

The squad flew to Seattle last week and the Belgian FA installed special lighting at the team hotel to fight the nine-hour jetlag from Brussels. Kevin De Bruyne looks fully recovered and smiling again.

Doku: 'My stats must be even better'

Jeremy Doku knows all eyes are on him. "Mijn statistieken moeten nóg beter," the winger said ahead of the tournament, my stats have to be even better (2). He's Belgium's most explosive attacking threat and he's not shying away from the responsibility.

Doku could miss a match: the baby timeline

Doku's partner is expecting their child in England. If the birth happens before early July, he could miss a World Cup match (8). But the gap between Belgium's group games means he likely won't miss one, the schedule allows him to fly to England and back without skipping a fixture (6).

Experts point out that athletes are more than muscles, and some decisions go beyond football (7). The staff are aware and calm about the situation.

Lineup: Garcia keeps it locked

Rudi Garcia is giving nothing away (5). The expected XI has a defensive question mark: Mechele or Theate in central defence, Castagne or De Cuyper at full-back (4). Everything else is settled, but Garcia wants Egypt guessing until the last minute.

Who Egypt brings

Egypt's threat is real. Mohamed Salah leads the line, and their coach made a point of warning Belgium publicly (9) (10). This isn't a group-stage walkover. Respect is there from both sides (11).