Competition
A Europe-versus-Africa showdown is set for Monday evening in Seattle.
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Belgium are preparing to face Egypt in the Group G opener for both sides on Monday.
Seattle's Lumen Field—referred to as the Seattle Stadium for this World Cup—will host this Europe vs Africa encounter, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm UK time.
Following a goal-heavy day of action on Sunday, another array of attacking talent will be on show for this match, which sees the Red Devils, sitting at 10th in the FIFA world rankings, take on the Pharaohs, who are ranked 30th.
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Belgium failed to advance from their group in Qatar four years ago, but Rudi Garcia's squad features an enticing blend of youth and experience and will be optimistic about making an impact in the knockout rounds this time around.
Egypt are back on the global stage after missing out on the 2022 tournament and will pin their hopes on Mohamed Salah, who is likely competing in his final World Cup.
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Another Premier League icon is also set to take the field this evening, as Belgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is likewise expected to be making his World Cup farewell in this competition.
But who will be the official in charge for this enticing clash?
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That will be Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti, who will oversee the north-western match in the United States.
The 36-year-old Abatti is at his first World Cup but boasts extensive big-game experience, having officiated the 2024 Olympic final between Spain and France at the Parc des Princes.
He also served during last summer's Club World Cup, where he oversaw Real Madrid's victories over Borussia Dortmund and Pachuca, as well as Manchester City's win against Wydad, during which he sent off Rico Lewis.
Abatti will be backed by an all-South American crew, with his fellow countrymen Danilo Manis and Rafael Alves serving as his assistant referees.
Peruvian Kevin Ortega will act as fourth official, with reserve assistant referee duties handled by Michael Orue, also from Peru.
Lumen Field's World Cup capacity stands at 66,925, as these two teams lay down their marker ahead of the next Group G match between Iran and New Zealand, which takes place in Los Angeles shortly after this contest ends.
For over a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include titles on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.
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