European champions Spain begin their World Cup campaign against tournament debutants Cape Verde, with Luis de la Fuente’s side looking to make an early statement. Belgium face Egypt in Seattle, where Mohamed Salah will aim to lead his nation to their first ever World Cup victory.
Spain’s cohesion, honed during their Euro 2024 triumph, could prove too much for Cape Verde. Lamine Yamal, the teenage winger, is the key creative force for La Roja. Meanwhile, Belgium, dark horses after an unbeaten qualifying run, rely on Jeremy Doku’s dribbling prowess to unlock Egypt’s defence.
Egypt have never won a World Cup match, and this tournament may be Mohamed Salah’s last chance to make a significant impact. The Liverpool forward left the club at the end of last season and will be desperate to inspire his nation to progress from the group stage.
Today’s World Cup matches are available to watch on BBC and ITV in the UK, with full live streaming via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Kick-off times and detailed broadcast schedules are provided in the complete guide.
