--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-06-15T11:32:54.233Z last_updated: 2026-06-15T06:00:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/brighton/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGhlYXJndXMuY28udWsvc3BvcnQvMjYxOTMzMzUubWF4LWRlLWN1eXBlci13b3JsZC1jdXAtYWN0aW9uLWJlbGdpdW0tdi1lZ3lwdC8_cmVmPXJzcw --- # Will it be Max v Mo as Belgium enter the stage? - **Source:** - **Published:** 15 Jun - **Club:** Brighton - **Original URL:** https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/26193335.max-de-cuyper-world-cup-action-belgium-v-egypt/?ref=rss Brighton and Hove Albion FC Football Sport A look at events with an Albion slant as the World Cup moves on to Monday, June 15 (and the early hours of Tuesday). We could see a Seagulls left-back up against an old adversary of the club (and team-mate of Adam El-Abd's). Meanwhile the great day when England play is getting closer. Max De Cuyper will hope to make up for lost time when Belgium enter the World Cup stage on Monday. The Albion left-back is a strong contender to start in the Group G fixture against Egypt. De Cuyper was an unused substitute throughout Euro 2024 but finished the club season quite strongly with the Seagulls, notably with his two assists in the first five minutes of the 3-0 win over Wolves. He has played at wing-back ahead of the tournament but Belgium generally go with a back four. Fulham’s Timothy Castagne is being suggested in some sources as favourite to start – and go head-to-head with outgoing Liverpool right winger Mo Salah. Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne warned colleagues: "The first match is always difficult because everyone is extremely motivated. "In my first three World Cups, I don't remember an easy match. Egypt plays a very physical game, so it won't be easy either, but we're doing everything we can to be ready for this match and for it to go well." There is one Albion connection with the Egypt winger who could go up against De Cuyper. Apart from the fact he tended to score against them, of course. Former Seagulls defender Adam El-Abd used to be young Salah’s room-mate on international duty with Egypt. El-Abd told The Argus: “If I had to mark him in training, I made sure I gave myself at least an arm’s length in terms of distance. Ayari scores twice as Sweden open World Cup in style How are Albion looking and what do they need as transfer window opens? Fingers pointed as Albion stars suffer late World Cup disappointment in draw “I suppose Brighton could have signed Mo Salah had they got in before he went to Basel. “The wages certainly wouldn’t have been a problem at that stage. “He was very likeable, very popular amongst the boys. “He was shy, mild-mannered. Then on the pitch he came alive." Monday evening will see England move to within 48 hours of finally playing at the World Cup. It feels a long time since that excited Sky Sports commentary of the team's plane touching down in Miami. But there is still plenty of time for Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers discussion ahead of Wednesday night's clash with Croatia. Jason Steele trains with England on Sunday (Image: PA) Albion goalkeeper Jason Steele continues to work hard with the squad and was seen showing off his technical skills during a Sunday session at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City Spain and their Real Madrid-bound left-back Marc Cucurella take on minnows Cape Verde in Atlanta at 5pm BST, which is a midday kick-off locally. Saudi Arabia face Uruguay at 11pm BST and, into the early hours our time, former League One champion Chris Wood leads the New Zealand attack against Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s Iran in Los Angeles at 2am on Tuesday for us (which is 6pm on Monday in California).