Can you feel the excitement? The 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearly here! In anticipation of the tournament starting in June, we’re previewing each of the groups.
In the next of our Group profiles, we look at Group G, which features European heavyweights Belgium, African giants Egypt, ambitious Asian side Iran, and Oceania representatives New Zealand.
Group G could prove to be a competitive group, with some fascinating encounters on the cards and a tightly contested battle for qualification.
Matches will take place between 15 and 26 June 2026, with the top teams advancing to the knockout rounds.
Group G
Belgium
Egypt
Iran
New Zealand
Group G Fixtures
15 June 2026
Belgium vs Egypt
Time: 21:00 (SAST)
Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington, USA
Iran vs New Zealand
Time: 03:00 (SAST) (16 June)
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, USA
21 June 2026
Belgium vs Iran
Time: 21:00 (SAST)
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, USA
New Zealand vs Egypt
Time: 03:00 (SAST) (22 June)
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
26 June 2026
Egypt vs Iran
Time: 05:00 (SAST) (27 June)
Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington, USA
New Zealand vs Belgium
Time: 05:00 (SAST) (27 June)
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
Belgium
Preview
Belgium enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup aiming to finally convert its “golden generation” pedigree into major tournament success. Despite consistently being ranked among the world’s top teams over the past decade, the Red Devils have never progressed beyond a third-place finish at a World Cup, achieved in 2018.
Belgium continues to boast a technically gifted squad filled with top-level talent, including experienced stars such as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku alongside emerging names Jérémy Doku and Loïs Openda. Belgium’s technical ability, creativity, attacking quality and experience make it one of the favourites in the group.
Prediction
Belgium are favourites to top Group G and should progress comfortably to the knockout stages if it performs to their potential.
Egypt
Preview
Egypt returns to the World Cup hoping to make a significant impact after several disappointing campaigns in previous tournaments. While the Pharaohs have a proud footballing history, including a record number of Africa Cup of Nations titles, World Cup success has remained elusive.
Led by global superstar Mohamed Salah, Egypt combines technical quality with disciplined organisation and dangerous attacking transitions. Players such as Omar Marmoush, Mahmoud Trezeguet, and Mohamed Abdelmonem add further quality to a squad capable of competing strongly against elite opposition. If Egypt can maintain defensive consistency, it could become one of the tournament’s dark horses.
Prediction
Egypt are strong contenders for qualification and could challenge Belgium for top spot in the group.
Iran
Preview
Iran continues to establish itself as one of Asia’s most consistent international teams, regularly qualifying for FIFA World Cups and proving difficult to beat. Known for its tactical discipline, defensive organisation, and physical strength, Iran often frustrates more fancied opponents.
With experienced internationals such as Mehdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun, and Alireza Jahanbakhsh leading the side, Iran possesses enough attacking quality to complement its defensive structure. The team’s resilience and tournament experience make it a genuine threat in a balanced group.
Prediction
Iran are more than capable of competing for a Round of 16 place and could surprise a few teams if results go their way.
New Zealand
Preview
New Zealand returns to the World Cup as Oceania’s leading representative and will look to improve on its previous tournament appearances. Traditionally viewed as underdogs at this level, the All Whites are known for their determination, physicality, and team spirit.
The squad features several talented players gaining experience abroad, including Chris Wood, Liberato Cacace, and Marko Stamenic. While New Zealand may not possess the same depth as some of its rivals, the team’s organisation, work ethic and determination could make it difficult to break down.
Prediction
New Zealand will likely enter the group as outsiders but could still influence the standings with disciplined and spirited performances.
Looking Ahead
Group G presents an intriguing mix of footballing styles, with Belgium’s technical brilliance, Egypt’s attacking quality, Iran’s discipline, and New Zealand’s resilience all coming into play. While Belgium may hold the advantage on paper, the battle for the remaining qualification spot could be fiercely contested.
With several evenly matched teams and plenty at stake, every match in this group could prove decisive.
Get Your Game On
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