Rudi Garcia wants Belgium to dominate FIFA World Cup clash against Egypt

The Group G clash is expected to play a major role in deciding who finishes top of the group, which also includes Iran and New Zealand. The group winner could benefit from a more favourable route in the knockout stages, making the opening fixture particularly important.

Garcia made it clear that Belgium would focus on their own strengths and look to dictate the match from the first whistle.

"We are going to focus on our strengths, we want to be protagonists," Garcia told reporters. "We really need to go all-in tomorrow as if it is the final."

The Belgian coach was full of praise for Egypt, highlighting the quality within a squad led by star forwards Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. He also pointed to their strong defensive record as a major threat.

"It is one of the best African squads of all time," Garcia said.

Despite his admiration for the Pharaohs, Garcia believes every team has vulnerabilities that can be exposed.

"All teams have weaknesses. We will see tomorrow if we can exploit those weaknesses," he added.

Belgium are looking to improve on their disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign, when they failed to progress beyond the group stage. Garcia is refusing to look too far ahead, however, insisting that the immediate target is qualification for the knockout rounds.

"It's step by step - get out of the group stage, but we want to finish top of the pool," he said.

The coach also welcomed the hydration breaks that will be used during the match in Seattle's warm conditions, admitting they offer valuable opportunities to pass on tactical instructions.

"For me, it's a coaching break more than a cooling break, so to me it's very important," Garcia explained.

Monday's match will also mark a major milestone for captain Youri Tielemans, who will lead Belgium at a major tournament for the first time. The midfielder said the squad must handle the pressure of an opening World Cup fixture and start strongly.

"I can tell every first game's very nervous, so it's going to be up to us to start well," Tielemans said.

The Aston Villa midfielder called on his teammates to play with freedom and confidence.

"Go for it, no regrets and then anything can happen," he added.

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