At first glance, 2026 World Cup Group G looks like Belgium’s to lose. However, a closer look reveals a group packed with potential challenges.
Belgium enter the tournament as clear favourites. They have a squad full of experience, quality and attacking talent. Meanwhile, Egypt will once again rely on Mohamed Salah to inspire a strong World Cup campaign. Iran arrive as one of Asia’s most consistent international teams, while New Zealand will be eager to prove they belong on football’s biggest stage after securing another World Cup appearance.
Overall, World Cup Group G appears far more competitive than it first seems. Belgium should have enough quality to progress comfortably, but the battle for the remaining qualification place could go right down to the final round of fixtures.
Who is in World Cup Group G?
World Cup Group G features Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand. Four nations from four different confederations will battle for a place in the knockout stages.
Belgium arrive as one of Europe’s most established international sides. They will be aiming for another deep run at a major tournament after several near misses on the biggest stage.
Egypt are looking to build on their growing reputation in African football. The Pharaohs have regularly competed at the highest level in recent years and will believe they have what it takes to reach the knockout rounds.
Iran remain one of Asia’s strongest national teams. Consistent performances during World Cup qualification have made Team Melli regular participants at the tournament. As a result, they will be confident of competing with some of the world’s best teams.
New Zealand complete the group after once again emerging as Oceania’s leading nation. Although the All Whites are underdogs, they will view this tournament as a chance to test themselves against more established footballing nations.
What are the latest World Cup Group G odds?
Odds via 10bet and correct at the time of writing.
Belgium: 2/5 (1.40)
Egypt: 4/1 (5.00)
Iran: 11/2 (6.50)
New Zealand: 20/1 (21.00)
What are the World Cup Group G fixtures?
- June 15: Belgium vs Egypt, Seattle Stadium
- June 16: Iran vs New Zealand, Los Angeles Stadium
- June 21: Belgium vs Iran, Los Angeles Stadium
- June 22: New Zealand vs Egypt, BC Place Vancouver
- June 27: Egypt vs Iran, Seattle Stadium
- June 27: New Zealand vs Belgium, BC Place Vancouver
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Who are the key players in World Cup Group G?
Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne remains Belgium’s most influential player. His vision, passing range and ability to unlock defences give the Red Devils a major creative advantage. This could prove crucial against teams that sit deep and defend in numbers.
Egypt: Mohamed Salah
Like De Buyne, Mohamed Salah is still the face of Egyptian football. More importantly, he is the player most capable of producing decisive moments. His pace, movement and finishing ability make him one of the biggest attacking threats in World Cup Group G.
Iran: Mehdi Taremi
Mehdi Taremi provides the experience and the cutting-edge Iran need to challenge for qualification. His intelligent movement, strong hold-up play and clinical finishing give Iran a genuine chance of upsetting the more fancied teams.
New Zealand: Chris Wood
Chris Wood is New Zealand’s talisman and most proven goalscorer. The All Whites will rely heavily on his aerial strength, leadership and ability to convert limited opportunities against stronger opponents.
What are the best bets for World Cup Group G?
Belgium to win World Cup Group G is the most obvious selection. They possess the strongest squad in the section and should have enough quality to top the standings.
A more appealing value bet could be Egypt to qualify. With Mohamed Salah capable of deciding matches on his own, and a defence that has become increasingly difficult to break down, the Pharaohs look well placed to challenge for second place.
The key fixture in the group could be Egypt vs Iran. Both teams will expect to take points from New Zealand, which means their head-to-head meeting may ultimately decide who joins Belgium in the knockout stages.
That said, Iran are more than capable of upsetting those predictions. Their organisation, defensive discipline and tournament experience make them one of the toughest teams outside the traditional favourites. They rarely give opponents an easy match. Therefore, if the odds are attractive, Iran could be worth considering.
Another betting angle is New Zealand to finish bottom of World Cup Group G. Chris Wood offers a genuine goal threat, but Belgium, Egypt and Iran all possess greater depth, experience and overall quality. If the All Whites are to cause an upset, they will likely need to take points from one of their direct rivals early in the tournament.
Who will qualify from World Cup Group G?
- Belgium
- Iran
- Egypt
- New Zealand
Belgium should have too much quality for the rest of the group and remain the clear favourites to finish first. Iran get the edge over Egypt for second place because they are often more consistent in tournament football and are notoriously difficult to break down.
Egypt certainly have the star power to prove that prediction wrong. However, they may ultimately fall just short of qualification. As for New Zealand, they should compete hard throughout the tournament, but earning enough points against three experienced sides looks like a difficult task.
Check out our other 2026 World Cup Group previews:
- – World Cup Group A preview: Mexico, South Korea, Czechia and South Africa
- – World Cup Group B preview: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland
- – World Cup Group C preview: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland and Haiti
- – World Cup Group D preview: USA, Paraguay, Australia and Turkey
- – World Cup Group E preview: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curaçao
- – World Cup Group F preview: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia
- – World Cup Group H preview: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay
- – World Cup Group I preview: France, Senegal, Iraq and Norway
- – World Cup Group J preview: Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan
- – World Cup Group K preview: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia
- – World Cup Group L preview: England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama
