Group G · Matchday 1
BelgiumvsEgypt
2026-06-15·12:00 localPredictions finalised
The forecast
Match-outcome probability
- Belgium win57.1%
- Draw25.8%
- Egypt win17.1%
A clash of identities: Belgium's balanced approach meets Egypt's pragmatic style in a fixture the model gives to Belgium at 64%.
Why the model says this
Favoring Belgium
- ·Elo advantage of 178 points over Egypt
- ·Expected goals 1.53 vs 0.74
Favoring Egypt
- ·H2H record: 3W-0D-1L in 4 meetings
What the model can't fully price
- ·Squad availability: 6 carrying a fitness doubt across the two squads, 2 of them projected starters. The forecast does not adjust for who is missing: its lineup channel currently contributes zero, so this is context the probabilities do not include.
Form check
Belgium
SteadyBelgium: 3W-3D-0L in their last 6 internationals.
3W-3D-0L in last 6
Egypt
SteadyEgypt: 3W-2D-1L in their last 6 internationals.
3W-2D-1L in last 6
Analysis
How it plays out
Neither side has a rigid tactical identity. Both adapt to the opponent, so the first 15 minutes will reveal who imposes their plan first.
What decides it
Egypt adjust shape to the opponent. That flexibility is an asset, but it takes longer to settle into a game. Mohamed Salah's 13.7% scoring probability is the highest in this fixture. Containing that output is Belgium's primary defensive task.
Off the pitch
No major off-pitch asymmetries. This one is decided by the football.
The angle
Likely the last World Cup for Axel Witsel. Tournament experience at this level is hard to quantify but hard to replace.
▸Goals & scorelines
Likeliest score 1–0 (16.6%) · xG 1.4 - 0.7
Expected goals
Mean of the Dixon-Coles joint goal distribution. Same fit that produces the most-likely-scoreline list below.
Most likely scorelines
- 1–016.6%
- 0–012.8%
- 1–112.5%
- 2–012.4%
- 2–18.5%
From the Dixon-Coles joint Poisson with the low-score correction. Scorelines are listed in probability order; this is a description of the model's distribution, not a recommendation.
Most likely half-time scorelines
- 0–035.2%
- 1–024.4%
- 0–111.3%
- 1–19.0%
- 2–08.9%
Same Dixon-Coles fit as the full-time list above, with rates halved to a 45-minute window and the low-score correction applied to that 1st-half block. The 0-0 row sits higher here than at full-time because fewer minutes have elapsed.
Goal totals
- More than 0.5 goals87.2%
- More than 1.5 goals63.2%
- More than 2.5 goals35.5%
- More than 3.5 goals16.4%
- More than 4.5 goals6.4%
- More than 5.5 goals2.1%
- Both teams score38.3%
Each row is the probability the match finishes with more than the listed number of goals. Both-teams-to-score is the probability each side scores at least once. All values are marginals of the Dixon-Coles joint goal grid that produces the scoreline list above — not market lines or any other operator construct.
Event-typed probabilities
- Belgium clean sheetOpposing team scores zero50.6%
- Egypt clean sheetOpposing team scores zero23.8%
Derived from the same Dixon-Coles joint distribution as the scoreline list. These are descriptive event probabilities — see CLAUDE.md §3/§4 (formerly COMPLIANCE.md §4.2.7) for the framing the project uses.
Win-margin probability
- Belgium by 4+3.5%
- Belgium by 3+11.1%
- Belgium by 2+28.1%
- Belgium by 1+54.6%
- Draw28.5%
- Egypt by 1+17.0%
- Egypt by 2+4.8%
- Egypt by 3+0.9%
- Egypt by 4+0.1%
Each row is the probability the match ends with the listed margin or larger in that direction. Marginal of the Dixon-Coles joint goal grid; the “by 1+” rows plus the draw row sum to 1.
▸How the match unfolds
Over 2.5 goals 35.5% · BTTS 38.3%
Game state through the match
- Belgium ahead55.3%
- Level27.0%
- Egypt ahead17.7%
Probability of each game state at minutes 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 — derived from two independent thinned-Poisson processes with the Dixon-Coles per-team rates. The three lines always sum to 1 at each minute. The right column shows the state at the match's closing minute.
When the first goal arrives
- 0–1529.7%
- 15–3020.9%
- 30–4514.7%
- 45–6010.3%
- 60–757.2%
- 75–905.1%
- No goal12.0%
Probability the match's first goal arrives in each 15-minute window. Homogeneous Poisson with combined rate λ = λh + λa from the Dixon-Coles fit; the seven rows (six windows + no-goal tail) sum to 1.
Half-time / full-time grid
| HT ↓ / FT → | HBelgium win | DDraw | AEgypt win |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBelgium ahead | 35.4% | 3.9% | 0.7% |
| DLevel | 18.1% | 19.6% | 7.0% |
| AEgypt ahead | 1.7% | 3.8% | 9.8% |
Each cell is P(half-time result, full-time result). All nine cells sum to 1. Derived from a halved-λ Dixon-Coles fit for the first half plus an independent-Poisson second-half convolution.
Comeback probability
- Belgium trail at HT, avoid defeat at FT5.5%
- Egypt trail at HT, avoid defeat at FT4.6%
Joint probability — P(side trailing at half-time AND avoiding defeat at full-time). NOT conditional on trailing at HT. Derived from the same half-time / full-time decomposition that produces the HT/FT grid above; a tied first half is neither a home nor an away comeback opportunity.
Cards
- Expected yellow cardsMean of the Poisson on total yellow cards.3.45
- Total yellows over 2.567.0%
- Total yellows over 3.545.3%
- Total yellows over 4.526.5%
- Any red cardP(at least one red card in the match).9.5%
Referee not yet assigned. Using the 2026 pool-mean per-match rate as a placeholder; the model picks up the referee's personal rate once the assignment is published. Total yellow cards modelled as a Poisson with mean equal to two team baselines plus the referee's deviation from the pool mean. Reds are modelled the same way, independently. See /docs/methodology/.
▸Teams & players
Top scorer: Salah (13.7%)
Match detail
Belgium
Model-rated key players: Kevin De Bruyne (MF) — P(scores) 6.6%; Loïs Openda (FW) — P(scores) 2.9%; Leandro Trossard (FW) — P(scores) 1.8%.
Belgium under Rudi Garcia play a balanced game, holding 54% of the ball — among the highest in the tournament field. Their likely shape is a other, though they have also used 4-2-3-1. They apply moderate pressing intensity (PPDA 23.1) and build patiently through midfield with 7.7 passes per attacking sequence.
Belgium will need to leverage their strengths while managing the physical demands of a tournament spread across three host countries. Managing minutes for Axel Witsel across what could be seven matches will test the coaching staff's rotation planning.
Egypt
Model-rated key players: Mohamed Salah (FW) — P(scores) 13.7%; Omar Marmoush (FW) — P(scores) 7.4%; Trézéguet (FW) — P(scores) 5.0%.
Egypt under Hossam Hassan play a pragmatic game with 51% possession. They apply moderate pressing intensity (PPDA 21.8). They generate a high volume of shots (13.7 per 90).
Egypt play a pragmatic, results-oriented game that adapts shape to the opposition. Tactical flexibility is their strength. The risk is inconsistency — without a default identity, a poor result can cascade if the team struggles to find a Plan B. Managing the fitness of Mohamed Salah could prove decisive — their availability transforms the team's ceiling.
Belgium historically converts 14.6% of xG from set-pieces, contributing 0.21 expected set-piece goals in this fixture. Egypt converts 17.3% from set-pieces (0.12 expected). Combined, the model expects 0.33 set-piece goals across the 90 minutes.
- P(Belgium scores set-piece goal) 18.9%
- P(Egypt scores set-piece goal) 11.1%
- P(set-piece goal in match) 28.0%
Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne on corners (25 corners), Axel Witsel on free kicks (per fbref 2022 23)
If a penalty is awarded to Belgium, the model gives 71.4% conversion, 75.0% for Egypt.
Belgium primary PK: Kevin De Bruyne (2/3 in 2020-21, per fbref 2022 23) · Egypt primary PK: Mohamed Salah (5/6 in 2021-22, per fbref 2021 22).
Derived from the model's per-fixture forecast joint and supporting reference data (predicted squads, set-piece xG share, PK posteriors, club minutes). See /docs/methodology/ for the full methodology.
Tactical forecast
- PPDA
- 23.1
- Possession
- 54%
- Directness (yds/pass)
- 5.0
- Long balls/90
- 32
- Set-piece xG
- 15%
- PPDA
- 21.8
- Possession
- 51%
- Directness (yds/pass)
- 6.0
- Long balls/90
- 33
- Set-piece xG
- 17%
Style profile per side from StatsBomb open-data aggregation across recent international tournaments (Euro 2020/2024, Copa America 2024, AFCON 2023, World Cup 2018/2022). The tactical-fingerprint badge maps each team’s observed style vector into one of eight canonical archetypes via a rule-based classifier; teams with fewer than three matches of qualifying coverage carry an “insufficient-data” label rather than being forced into a default. Sides outside the StatsBomb-open corpus use FotMob team match stats from recent qualifiers and friendlies instead (possession and shot volume only), marked as partial coverage. PPDA = passes the side allows per defensive action (lower = more intense press). Formation distributions are not yet produced — that head of the §2.7 classifier is pending its own data pull. See /docs/methodology/.
Squad depth
Most irreplaceable starters
Belgium
- Youri TielemansCentral midfieldNo natural backup0.41gap
- Romelu LukakuStrikerNo natural backup0.37gap
- Zeno DebastCentre-backCover: Brandon Mechele · 0.560.32gap
Egypt
- Omar MarmoushStrikerNo natural backup0.69gap
- Mohamed SalahWingerCover: Ibrahim Adel · 0.390.35gap
- Emam AshourCentral midfieldCover: Mahmoud Saber · 0.130.26gap
Gap = how far a side's rating at the position falls from the starter to his likely in-squad replacement (named under each name). Larger = harder to replace. Descriptive metric, does not feed the published probabilities. Methodology →
Match conditions
- AltitudeNear sea level16 m
- Avg temperatureFive-year mean over the tournament window18.0 °C
- Avg humidity68%
- Heat stressShade WBGT ~19.6 °CLow heat stress
- Pitch surfacetemporary natural grass over artificial turf
Artificial-turf NFL stadium laying a temporary natural-grass pitch for the tournament.
Heat stress is a shade Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature proxy from the venue's climatology mean temperature and humidity; FIFA mandates cooling breaks at WBGT 32 °C. Afternoon kickoff (local time). These are long-window averages, not a match-day forecast, and they are not inputs to the forecast.
Top scorers · P(scores in this match)
- Kevin De BruynePKMF6.6%
- Loïs OpendaFW2.9%
- Leandro TrossardFW1.8%
- Mohamed SalahPKFW13.7%
- Omar MarmoushFW7.4%
- TrézéguetFW5.0%
Per-player scoring rate from Model #5 (`p_score_per_match`). Reflects each player's npxG/90, expected minutes, team xG share, and the average opposing-team defence. See /docs/methodology/.
Recent match form
Last match player ratings
Belgium
vs Senegal · avg 8.0
Egypt
vs Australia · avg 6.1
Player scores from official highlight analysis of each team's most recent match. Observational, not a model input. Methodology →
Video analysis: player performance
Per-player ratings and event breakdowns from official highlights analysis. Tap a player to see their full match timeline.
8Thibaut CourtoisMade several important saves throughout the match, preventing Egypt from extending their lead.
Made several important saves throughout the match, preventing Egypt from extending their lead.
8Romelu LukakuMade an immediate and decisive impact by scoring the equalizing goal shortly after his introduction.
Made an immediate and decisive impact by scoring the equalizing goal shortly after his introduction.
7Youri TielemansWas a persistent offensive presence, registering multiple shots on target and actively trying to break down the defense.
Was a persistent offensive presence, registering multiple shots on target and actively trying to break down the defense.
7Jérémy DokuWas a constant offensive threat with his dribbling and movement, drawing fouls and creating chances, though his shots were consistently blocked.
Was a constant offensive threat with his dribbling and movement, drawing fouls and creating chances, though his shots were consistently blocked.
7Kevin De BruyneShowed flashes of his creative genius, hitting the post and forcing saves from free kicks, but couldn't convert his chances.
Showed flashes of his creative genius, hitting the post and forcing saves from free kicks, but couldn't convert his chances.
7Thomas MeunierWas very active in Belgium's attack from his wide position, registering multiple shots on target.
Was very active in Belgium's attack from his wide position, registering multiple shots on target.
6Nathan Ngoy12'–12'Was involved in an early foul but had no other specific actions mentioned, suggesting an average, quiet performance.
1fouls won▼
Was involved in an early foul but had no other specific actions mentioned, suggesting an average, quiet performance.
Match timeline
6Charles De KetelaereRegistered a header on target but was substituted before Belgium's equalizer, indicating a limited overall impact.
Registered a header on target but was substituted before Belgium's equalizer, indicating a limited overall impact.
6Nicolas RaskinCame on as a substitute but had no specific actions mentioned in the match events.
Came on as a substitute but had no specific actions mentioned in the match events.
6Leandro TrossardCame on as a substitute and had one shot blocked, but no other significant contributions.
Came on as a substitute and had one shot blocked, but no other significant contributions.
5Timothy Castagne13'–13'Picked up an early yellow card and was substituted before the hour mark, limiting his overall impact.
1fouls1 yellow▼
Picked up an early yellow card and was substituted before the hour mark, limiting his overall impact.
Match timeline
4Maxim De CuyperCame on as a substitute and immediately received a yellow card for a foul, negatively impacting his performance.
Came on as a substitute and immediately received a yellow card for a foul, negatively impacting his performance.
9Mostafa ShoubirDelivered an outstanding goalkeeping display, making numerous crucial saves to keep Egypt in the lead and secure the draw.
Delivered an outstanding goalkeeping display, making numerous crucial saves to keep Egypt in the lead and secure the draw.
8Emam Ashour19'–19'Scored Egypt's opening goal with an impressive long-range strike, showcasing his offensive quality.
1goals▼
Scored Egypt's opening goal with an impressive long-range strike, showcasing his offensive quality.
Match timeline
6Mostafa ZicoContributed offensively with a shot on target and drew a yellow card for an opponent before being substituted.
Contributed offensively with a shot on target and drew a yellow card for an opponent before being substituted.
6Omar MarmoushWas active in attack, registering several shots on target, but was consistently denied by the opposing goalkeeper.
Was active in attack, registering several shots on target, but was consistently denied by the opposing goalkeeper.
6Ramy RabiaCame on as a substitute and had one shot wide, but no other significant contributions.
Came on as a substitute and had one shot wide, but no other significant contributions.
6Hamza AbdelkarimCame on as a substitute but had no specific actions mentioned in the match events.
Came on as a substitute but had no specific actions mentioned in the match events.
6Mostafa ZizoCame on as a late substitute but had no specific actions mentioned in the match events.
Came on as a late substitute but had no specific actions mentioned in the match events.
5Mohamed Salah13'–13'Despite his reputation, he had a very quiet game with no direct attacking contributions before being substituted.
1fouls won▼
Despite his reputation, he had a very quiet game with no direct attacking contributions before being substituted.
Match timeline
4Ahmed FatouhReceived an early yellow card for a foul and had no other notable positive contributions.
Received an early yellow card for a foul and had no other notable positive contributions.
Match observations
- The match was a competitive encounter, ending in a 1-1 draw with both teams finding the net.
- Egypt took the lead in the first half with a well-placed shot, while Belgium equalized in the second half shortly after a key substitution.
- Both sides had numerous attempts at goal, with goalkeepers on both ends making significant saves to keep the score level.
▸Under the hood
Model-by-model comparison
Belgium vs Egypt
| Model | Weight | Home | Draw | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EloRating-based strength estimate | 32% | 61.7% | 22.0% | 16.3% |
| Dixon-ColesGoal-process model with low-score correction | 63% | 54.8% | 28.0% | 17.2% |
| Hierarchical PoissonBayesian model with confederation pooling | 6% | 58.0% | 25.9% | 16.1% |
| Bayesian stackingLearned-weight combination | — | 62.0% | 27.5% | 10.5% |
| Ensemble (published)Uniform average + isotonic calibration | — | 63.6% | 25.8% | 10.6% |
How each model works
- Elo
- Each team carries a single strength rating updated after every match by a margin-aware K-factor. Match probabilities come from the logistic function of the rating gap. Elo is fast-adapting but coarse — it sees only who won and by how much, not how the goals were scored.
- Dixon-Coles
- A Poisson regression on team-level attack and defence parameters, fitted via maximum likelihood with an exponential time-decay weighting. The Dixon-Coles correction adjusts the four low-score cells (0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 1-1) where independent Poisson underestimates dependence. Produces full scoreline distributions, not just H/D/A.
- Hierarchical Poisson
- A Bayesian Poisson model fitted via MCMC (PyMC) with hierarchical priors that pool attack and defence parameters within confederations. Shrinks small-sample teams toward their confederation mean — helpful for nations with few recent competitive fixtures. Slower to fit but better-calibrated on the tails.
- Bayesian stacking
- Optimises simplex weights (w_elo, w_dc, w_hp) to maximise the leave-one-out log-score across a walk-forward backtest (Yao et al. 2018). The result is a weighted average of the three component models' probabilities, then isotonic-calibrated. Adds no extra features — just learns which component to trust more from historical accuracy.
- Ensemble (published)
- Equal-weight average of all three component models, followed by per-class isotonic regression calibration fitted on 24 months of walk-forward out-of-fold predictions. This is the probability published on the site. The uniform mean is deliberately simple — it avoids overfitting to the stacking weights' training window.
Three independent component models feed two combination strategies. The uniform ensemble is the published probability; Bayesian stacking uses learned weights. Amber bars flag >5pp divergence from the published number. Full methodology
Probability decomposition (transparency surface)
- Baseline ensemble — P(Belgium win)57.1%
- + Lineup contribution0.0pp
- + Style-matchup contribution0.0pp
- Published P(Belgium win)57.1%
Decomposition of the published P(Belgium win) into the calibrated- baseline plus contributions from the §2.3 expected-XI lineup delta and the §2.7 style-matchup interaction. The §2.7 roadmap is explicit that style effects are second-order to team strength — single-digit-percentage P(win) shifts on extreme style matchups, near-zero on balanced ones. We surface the decomposition for transparency even when the contributions are small; the baseline carries the prediction. Methodology: /docs/methodology.
For this fixture both contributions round to under 0.05pp — the fitted style-matchup pair effect is in the small-magnitude regime the model expects to dominate.
Head-to-head history
| Date | Competition | Venue | Score | Result | xG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Jun 2026 | FIFA World Cup | NSeattle | 1–1 | D | — |
| 18 Nov 2022 | Friendly | NKuwait City | 1–2 | L | — |
| 6 Jun 2018 | Friendly | HBrussels | 3–0 | W | — |
| 9 Feb 2005 | Friendly | ACairo | 0–4 | L | — |
| 30 Mar 1999 | Friendly | HLiège | 0–1 | L | — |
Belgium vs Egypt, every senior international meeting in the martj42 results dataset (score from Belgium's perspective; H/A/N = home/away/neutral).
Latest news & match context
- Folarin Balogun tells Donald Trump his World Cup red card intervention DID impact USA team before Belgium loss · Daily Mail — Football · 14 Jul
- Stage:
- Group G · Matchday 1
- Date:
- 15 Jun
Belgium and Egypt both come in at close to full strength, so the forecast rests on baseline team strength rather than late team-news swings.
Availability from the predicted squads and injury feed; forecast adjustments from the model's own decomposition. See /docs/methodology/.
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