World Cup 2026 Group G Preview: Belgium, Egypt, Iran & New Zealand

Group G may not be the most glamorous group of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but it has the potential to be one of the most competitive. Belgium enter as favourites, although they are no longer the side that featured the famous golden generation of a decade ago. Egypt arrive with enormous expectations and one of the tournament’s biggest stars. Iran continue to be one of Asia’s most consistent performers, while New Zealand will look to embrace the underdog role and make history. Group G consists of Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand. ([New York Post][1])

Unlike some groups that feature a clear heavyweight and three outsiders, Group G feels much more balanced. Belgium have the strongest squad on paper, but Egypt and Iran are both capable of challenging for qualification, while New Zealand’s disciplined approach could make them difficult opponents. Every match carries significance, and the race for the knockout stage could remain undecided until the final round of fixtures. ([New York Post][1])

Belgium

Belgium arrive at the 2026 World Cup in a period of transition. The famous golden generation that included several world-class stars has gradually moved on, leaving a younger group eager to establish its own identity. While some observers question whether Belgium remain among the tournament’s elite nations, there is still plenty of quality throughout the squad.

The current Belgian side is built around technical ability and attacking creativity. Their players are comfortable in possession and capable of controlling games through intelligent movement and passing. The emergence of exciting younger talents has brought renewed energy to the squad, while experienced players continue to provide leadership during difficult moments.

One of Belgium’s greatest strengths remains their attacking depth. They possess players capable of creating chances from almost nothing, and their ability to unlock organised defences could prove decisive in Group G. Against teams likely to defend deep, individual brilliance may be the difference between victory and frustration.

The concern for Belgium is whether the defensive unit can consistently perform at the highest level. While the attack attracts attention, some questions remain about their ability to deal with pace and direct counterattacks. Nevertheless, Belgium possess enough quality to top the group and should be targeting maximum points against New Zealand while securing positive results against Egypt and Iran. Belgium are widely viewed as the favourites to win the group. ([New York Post][1])

Strengths

• Technical quality
• Creative attacking players
• Strong squad depth
• Tournament experience

Concerns

• Defensive consistency
• Managing expectations during a transition period

Egypt

Egypt enter the tournament carrying the hopes of one of football’s most passionate nations. Their qualification campaign generated tremendous excitement, and many supporters believe this could be the strongest Egyptian side in years. Much attention naturally focuses on Mohamed Salah, who is expected to play a central role in what may be his final World Cup appearance. Egypt are aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history. ([New York Post][1])

This Egyptian team combines technical ability with growing tactical maturity. They are comfortable playing a possession-based style but can also operate effectively on the counterattack. Their midfield is capable of controlling the tempo of matches, while their attacking players possess enough quality to punish mistakes.

One area where Egypt have improved significantly is defensive organisation. Previous Egyptian teams occasionally struggled against stronger opposition, but this generation appears more disciplined and structured. That balance between attack and defence gives them a genuine chance of progressing from Group G.

The clash with Iran could become one of the most important matches in the entire group. A victory would place Egypt in an excellent position to qualify, while defeat could leave them facing a difficult path. If their key players perform at their best, Egypt have every reason to believe they can finish second or even challenge Belgium for first place.

Strengths

• World-class attacking talent
• Improved defensive organisation
• Technical quality
• Strong national confidence

Concerns

• Heavy reliance on key players
• Pressure of expectation

Iran

Iran continue to establish themselves as one of Asia’s most reliable football nations. They consistently qualify for major tournaments and rarely make life easy for opponents. While they may not receive the same attention as some higher-profile teams, Iran have built a reputation for discipline, resilience, and tactical intelligence.

The Iranian side is generally strongest when defending in an organised shape and looking for opportunities through quick transitions. They are comfortable without possession and often frustrate technically superior teams by denying space and limiting clear chances. This approach has brought success in qualification campaigns and could prove effective once again.

Iran’s players understand tournament football. They know how to remain compact, stay patient, and capitalise on moments when opponents lose concentration. Their matches are often decided by narrow margins, making efficiency in front of goal particularly important.

The biggest challenge for Iran will be creating enough attacking opportunities against teams like Belgium and Egypt. They are unlikely to dominate possession in those matches, meaning every chance must be taken seriously. Nevertheless, Iran possess enough quality and experience to compete for qualification and should not be underestimated. Iran are viewed as a well-organised and defensively disciplined side built around experienced players such as Mehdi Taremi. ([New York Post][1])

Strengths

• Defensive organisation
• Tactical discipline
• Tournament experience
• Counterattacking threat

Concerns

• Limited attacking creativity
• Difficulty breaking down defensive opponents

New Zealand

New Zealand return to the World Cup eager to prove they belong among football’s elite. The expanded 48-team format has created new opportunities for nations outside the traditional powerhouses, and New Zealand have taken full advantage. While many observers consider them outsiders, their players will view the tournament as a chance to make history.

The team is built around hard work, discipline, and collective effort. New Zealand rarely rely on individual brilliance and instead focus on remaining organised and competitive throughout matches. Their physicality and commitment can make them difficult opponents, particularly when games become direct and physical.

One of the key strengths of this New Zealand side is unity. Many players have progressed through the national team system together and understand exactly what is required. They know they may spend long periods defending against stronger opponents, but they are comfortable playing that role.

Realistically, qualification will be challenging. However, New Zealand have the potential to influence the group by taking points from one of the favourites. A positive result in their opening match could completely transform the confidence within the squad and create momentum that carries through the tournament. Their hopes are likely to revolve around experienced striker Chris Wood and a disciplined defensive structure. ([New York Post][1])

Strengths

• Team unity
• Physical strength
• Defensive commitment
• Fearless underdog mentality

Concerns

• Limited squad depth
• Quality gap compared to rivals

Predicted Match Results

Belgium vs Egypt

The opening heavyweight clash of the group. Egypt will compete well, but Belgium’s attacking quality could prove decisive.

Prediction: Belgium 2-1 Egypt

Iran vs New Zealand

A tight and physical encounter. Iran’s experience at this level may make the difference.

Prediction: Iran 1-0 New Zealand

Belgium vs Iran

Iran will remain organised and disciplined, but Belgium should eventually find a breakthrough.

Prediction: Belgium 2-0 Iran

Egypt vs New Zealand

Egypt’s technical quality and attacking threat should secure an important victory.

Prediction: Egypt 2-0 New Zealand

New Zealand vs Belgium

Belgium should control possession and create numerous opportunities.

Prediction: Belgium 3-0 New Zealand

Egypt vs Iran

Potentially the decisive match in the battle for second place. Expect a tense tactical contest.

Prediction: Egypt 1-1 Iran

Predicted Final Group Table

| Position | Team | Points | | — | — | | | 1 | Belgium | 9 | | 2 | Egypt | 4 | | 3 | Iran | 4 | | 4 | New Zealand | 0 |

Egypt narrowly edge Iran into second place on goal difference after a closely fought qualification race.

What to Watch

Belgium

The next generation of Belgian attacking stars will have the opportunity to establish themselves on the biggest stage in world football.

Egypt

Much attention will focus on Mohamed Salah, whose leadership and creativity could determine Egypt’s fortunes throughout the tournament.

Iran

Iran’s experienced attacking leaders and disciplined defensive unit will be central to their hopes of progressing.

New Zealand

Chris Wood’s experience and goal-scoring ability could provide the moments of inspiration New Zealand require.

Final Verdict

Group G appears straightforward at first glance, with Belgium possessing the strongest squad and the greatest depth. However, the battle for second place could become one of the most competitive races of the group stage. Egypt and Iran are evenly matched in many areas, and a single result may determine which nation advances.

Belgium should have enough quality to finish top of the standings, but they cannot afford complacency. Egypt appear slightly better equipped to secure second place thanks to their attacking talent and growing confidence, while Iran remain dangerous outsiders capable of upsetting the predictions. New Zealand face a difficult challenge but should embrace the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.

Expect Belgium to progress comfortably, while Egypt and Iran battle until the final matchday for the remaining qualification spot.