Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Belgium’s golden generation—Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois—are heading into the 2026 World Cup in what could be their final chance at continental and global glory.
The two teams meet in a crucial Group G fixture, with Belgium facing Egypt in what is expected to be a high-stakes encounter. Belgium, once ranked world number one, brings a blend of experience and talent but is now looking to recapture past form after failing to deliver a trophy from their golden cohort.
Salah, 33 and leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2025–26 season, is likely playing in his last World Cup. He led Egypt to qualification and will carry the hopes of African football alongside his teammates. The Egyptian star, who won the Premier League’s Player of the Season award in 2017–18 after scoring 32 goals in a single campaign, has been named African Footballer of the Year.
Belgium’s golden generation, featuring De Bruyne, Lukaku, Courtois, and the now-retired Eden Hazard, has yet to deliver a major trophy despite their immense talent. The Red Devils are now seeking one final shot at World Cup success as many of their key players near the end of their international careers.
The matchup highlights the contrasting stories of two African and European giants: Egypt’s quest for a World Cup breakthrough in Salah’s likely final appearance, and Belgium’s attempt to finally live up to their potential before their golden era fades.
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