Belgium, ranked world No. 3 just two years ago, now clinging to their last golden generation for one final charge. Egypt arrive with Mohamed Salah being banished from the Liverpool first team by manager Arne Slot after the player’s spectacular outburst in the media — the “thrown under the bus” comment. They, however, aim for the knockout-stage breakthrough the African nation has been chasing since 1934.
Iran, five-time qualifiers, bring solid organisation and a knack for bloodying bigger noses. New Zealand, back for only their third World Cup, still dine out on holding Italy to a draw in 2010.
Four continents, wildly different styles, zero easy games. In the expanded 48-team format, this is the group where fairy tales feel possible and favorites can crash out. Group G isn’t glamorous, it’s dangerous.
Team 1: Belgium
Fixtures
June 15 Belgium vs Egypt – SoFi Stadium
June 21 Belgium vs Iran – SoFi Stadium
June 26 New Zealand vs. Belgium – Lumen Field
Previous best finish: Third Place (2018)
How they qualified: Unbeaten in Group J of the WC qualifiers (5W, 3D)
Key player: Kevin de Bruyne – In the twilight of his career, de Bruyne still can change tight games with his quality and brilliance in the final third.
Coaching credentials: Rudi Garcia – he rose to prominence at Lille (2008-13), clinching the 2011 Ligue 1 title with flair, nurturing Eden Hazard. Stints at Roma (Serie A runner-up twice), Marseille (Europa League final), Lyon (Champions League semis), Al-Nassr and Napoli followed, blending success with drama. He was appointed Belgium’s first foreign coach in January 2025.
Likely breakthrough star: Lyon winger Malick Fofana is the fresh-faced phenom injecting raw energy into Belgium’s transition squad. Watch out for him and his quick dribbles.
Realistic expectation: Quarter-final finish
Team 2: Egypt
Fixtures
June 15 Belgium vs Egypt – SoFi Stadium
June 21 New Zealand vs Egypt – BC Place
June 26 Egypt vs Iran – BC Place
Previous best finish: Best finish, group stage (1990); best knockout progress remains round of 16 (1934).
How they qualified: Unbeaten in CAF Qualifying Group A (10W, 2D)
Key player: Mohamed Salah will be the centerpiece of Egypt’s attack
Coaching credentials: Hossam Hassan, who remains Egypt’s all-time top scorer, was appointed Egypt’s head coach in February 2024 after Rui Vitoria’s sacking, with brother Ibrahim as assistant, led an unbeaten 2026 World Cup qualification.
Likely breakthrough star: At 19, Ahmed Kabaka’s speed could torch Belgium’s flanks, bamboozle Iran’s backline and overrun New Zealand.
Realistic expectation: Round of 16 exit, which would be their best in FIFA World Cup.
Team 3: Iran
Fixtures
June 15 Iran vs New Zealand – Lumen Field
June 21 Belgium vs Iran – SoFi Stadium
June 26 Egypt vs Iran – BC Place
Previous best finish: Iran have never advanced to the knockout rounds in 18 matches, with group stage exits being the best in all of their last six appearances.
How they qualified: AFC Third Round Group A winners.
Key player: Sardar Azmoun remains Iran’s lethal spearhead, the team’s second-highest World Cup scorer (3 goals in 6 apps) and national team marksman with 57 strikes in 91 caps.
Coaching credentials: Amir Ghalenoei since 2023: With five Iran Pro League titles (most ever), he previously guided Iran to the 2007 Asian Cup quarters.
Likely breakthrough star: At 24, Hull City’s Allahyar Sayyadmanesh is the dynamic attacker primed to be Iran’s breakout sensation, injecting pace and creativity into a squad craving post-qualification spark.
Realistic expectation: Third place finish in the group stage.
Team 4: New Zealand
Fixtures
June 15 Iran vs New Zealand – Lumen Field
June 21 New Zealand vs Egypt – BC Place
June 26 New Zealand vs Belgium – Lumen Field
Previous best finish: Group stage exits in both 1982 and 2010 editions.
How they qualify: OFC qualifying winners
Key player: Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest) – A household name in the Premier League, Wood would be hoping to help the All Whites register a major upset, if he stays fit.
Coaching credentials: Darren Bazeley since 2023: Immersed in Kiwi coaching since 2009, he helmed U-17s to knockout stages at 2009/2011 World Cups and U-20s to last 16 in 2015, 2017 and 2023 as hosts.
Likely breakthrough star: At 22, Elijah Just is the fleet-footed breakout talent New Zealand need to electrify their attack, blending raw pace with clinical edge in a squad leaning on Wood’s experience.
Realistic expectation: Last placed finish
Group prediction
Egypt
Belgium
Iran
New Zealand
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