World Cup 2026: Egypt handed Mohamed Hany boost ahead of Belgium opener

Egypt has received a timely psychological lift ahead of Egypt’s highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup clash against Belgium, with right-back Mohamed Hany set to play a decisive role in the tournament.

The right-back, who is expected to feature prominently in Egypt setup, is preparing for a high-intensity tactical battle against one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking sides, as the Pharaohs look to make a strong statement on the global stage.

The fixture against Belgium is being widely viewed as a major test of Egypt’s defensive structure, with particular focus on the wide areas where Belgium traditionally generate much of their attacking threat.

Hany’s role is expected to be central to Egypt’s game plan. Known for his defensive discipline, positioning, and ability to time his challenges, he is likely to be tasked with managing constant pressure on his flank throughout the match. Coaching staff are believed to value his experience in handling high-stakes continental and international matches, especially when dealing with pace-driven wingers and overlapping full-backs.

The Egypt camp is approaching the match with cautious optimism, focusing on organisation, compactness, and quick transitions. While Belgium enter the contest as favourites on paper, Egypt believe that defensive concentration and tactical discipline could allow them to frustrate their opponents and potentially exploit moments on the counterattack.

For Hany, the match represents one of the most significant challenges of his international career, with the spotlight firmly on his ability to contain elite-level attacking talent and help Egypt secure a positive result in a highly competitive group.