Who will be better prepared for the World Cup? Prediction for Belgium vs Tunisia
The summer football marathon of 2026 is reaching its fever pitch—just days remain until the expanded World Cup kicks off in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. On Saturday, June 6th, 2026, Brussels' legendary King Baudouin Stadium will host a dress rehearsal for two World Cup contenders: the powerhouse Belgium side faces off against the resilient Tunisia.
The opening whistle will sound at 15:00 Central European Time. This is Belgium’s last home fixture before they jet across the Atlantic, where Group G awaits with Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. Tunisia's ambitions are no less grand—the “Carthage Eagles” are packing their bags for a brutal Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden.
Seasoned football fans will recall their legendary clash in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup. Back then, Belgium demolished Tunisia 5-2 (with Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku both netting braces). Much has changed since, with new faces on both sides, but the mental edge and class gap remain firmly on the Europeans’ side. The teams also met in the 2002 World Cup group stage in Japan, with that match ending in a 1-1 draw.
Belgium
Under the guidance of French manager Rudi Garcia, Belgium are in scintillating form. Just a few days ago, on June 2nd, the Red Devils delivered a textbook performance in Zagreb, confidently dispatching a strong Croatia side 2-0 (with goals from Youri Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku). At home, Belgium will look to impose their will. Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku are primed to wreak havoc on the flanks, while Thibaut Courtois has firmly secured the No. 1 spot between the posts. Garcia will likely rotate his squad, but the core eleven will start to thrill the Brussels crowd with sparkling football before the long journey ahead.
Garcia is instilling a fast, vertical style with high pressing. Expect a classic 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, with De Bruyne dictating the tempo and Doku and Lukebakio driving attacks with their dribbling. Belgium will dominate possession (60%+ expected) and look to suffocate Tunisia in the opening third of the match.
Tunisia
The “Carthage Eagles” booked their World Cup ticket thanks to iron discipline and an ability to stifle elite opponents. Earlier this week, Tunisia played a grueling friendly in Vienna against Austria, expending plenty of physical energy. Tunisia may lack Belgium’s star power, but they boast a cohesive midfield and a tenacious defensive line. The coaching staff’s main goal is to test the team under the intense pressure of a top-tier opponent.
The visitors will set up a compact, deep defensive block (either 5-4-1 or 4-5-1). Playing open football against Belgium would be suicidal. Tunisia will rely on tactical fouls, tight control in their box, and rapid counterattacks. Their mission: deny Belgium any space to operate.
What’s the smart bet for this match?
Belgium are clear favorites. But with this being their final tune-up before the World Cup, expect the usual “substitution parade” in the second half, which will inevitably disrupt the match’s rhythm. No one will risk injury with the tournament just a week away—expect the hosts to settle matters in the first half and then switch to energy-saving mode.
This is a pragmatic and reliable market. After a tough match with Croatia, Belgium won’t go goal-crazy, while Tunisia will dig in and defend as if rehearsing for the Netherlands. Main pick: Under 3.0 total goals.
