The FIFA World Cup 2026 is almost here. It is the biggest sporting event on the planet. This time, the tournament is massive. It features 48 teams for the first time. These teams will play across three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Fans are already getting excited. One of the most interesting groups to watch is Group G. This group features Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. Every match in this group will be a battle. The game between Egypt and IR Iran is especially important. Both teams want to prove they belong in the knockout rounds. They have passionate fans. They have a rich history. They have everything to play for.
First of all, we must look at the World Cup schedule. The tournament starts on New Zealand vs Belgium World Cup 2026 | Live, Match Time, Prediction June 11 and runs until July 19, 2026. The opening match will take place in Mexico. The final will happen at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19. However, the action in Group G will be intense long before that. Egypt and Iran are two teams that can cause a lot of trouble for the favorites. They are not just here to participate. They are here to win. Similarly, the New Zealand vs Egypt and Belgium vs Egypt matches will decide who moves forward. Each point is precious.
The match between Egypt and IR Iran is a clash of styles. Egypt often relies on solid defense and quick attacks. Iran is known for being very tough to beat. They are disciplined. They are strong. Gradually, Finally, the world will see which philosophy wins. At that time, the atmosphere in the stadium will be electric. Many fans expect a close game. A tactical chess match. A fight for every inch of grass.
The Landscape of Group G
Group G is one of the most diverse groups in the tournament. You have a European powerhouse in Belgium. You have the giants of Africa and Asia in Egypt and Iran. Plus, you have the “All Whites” from New Zealand who are ready to shock the world. This mix makes every match unpredictable. Belgium vs Egypt will be a massive test for the African side. On top of that, the match between New Zealand and Iran on June 15 will set the tone for the group.
The FIFA World Cup is about more than just games. It is about stories. It is about a 34-year-old Belgian star trying to get fit. “Surgery was unfortunately necessary, but I am now fully focused on rehabilitation.” — Kevin De Bruyne. He wants to lead his country one last time. It is about a New Zealand team that finished the 2010 World Cup group stage without a single loss. It is about Egypt trying to find their rhythm after losing 1-0 to New Zealand in a recent friendly.
Egypt vs IR Iran World Cup 2026 | Live, Match Time, Prediction
Everyone wants to know who will win this one. The prediction for Egypt vs IR Iran is difficult. Iran beat New Zealand 3-0 in 2023. They have a lot of confidence. Egypt is hungry for success. Therefore, this match might end in a draw. Both teams might prioritize not losing. On the contrary, if one team scores early, the game will explode.
You can watch the matches live on the FOX family of networks and the FOX Sports app. The World Cup schedule shows that games will happen at different times to accommodate global viewers. For example, some New Zealand matches start at 9 p.m. ET. Fans must stay updated on the local match times for their region.
New Zealand vs Belgium World Cup 2026 | Live, Match Time, Prediction
Another highlight of Group G is the clash between the All Whites and the Red Devils. This match will take place on June 26, 2026. It will be held at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada. This is Match 64 of the tournament.
The New Zealand vs Belgium World Cup 2026 | Live, Match Time, Prediction is a topic of hot debate. Belgium is ranked 9th in the world by FIFA. Their squad has a total market value of € 442.20 million. They are the favorites. However, New Zealand has a plan. They have evolved from a team that just tries to survive into a team that wants to play football. They use a 4-3-3 formation that can change into a lopsided 2-3-5 when they have the ball. They want to feed their star striker, Chris Wood.
New zealand vs belgium world cup 2026 lineups
Let us talk about the possible New zealand vs belgium world cup 2026 lineups. For Belgium, the health of Kevin De Bruyne is key. He is currently recovering from a hamstring injury. If he is fit, he will start in the midfield. Additionally, Belgium has experienced players, but they also have some injury concerns. Youri Tielemans is dealing with an ankle injury. Thomas Meunier has a hamstring problem. Matz Sels, Charles De Ketelaere, and Arthur Theate are also on the injury list.
For New Zealand, the lineup will revolve around Chris Wood. He is their all-time leading scorer with 45 goals. He has 88 caps and is a true leader. Darren Bazeley, the head coach, will likely use Liberato Cacace as a high-pressing fullback. Joe Bell will orchestrate the midfield. Tyler Bindon, the 21-year-old “Rolls Royce” defender, will be the one to watch in the backline.
New zealand vs belgium world cup 2026 results
If we look at New zealand vs belgium world cup 2026 results from the past, there is not much to go on. These two senior national teams have never played each other before. They did meet in the 2008 Olympics in Shanghai. Belgium won that match 1-0. That was a long time ago. Both teams are very different now.
Ticketing Information
Do you want to see the action in person? You need to act fast. New Zealand vs Belgium tickets are in high demand. Prices for Match 64 at BC Place start at around $450. There are different categories of seats.
- Category 1: These are the premium seats. They are often at midfield and offer the best views.
- Category 2: These seats are near the corners or behind the goals.
- Category 3: These are upper-level seats with a full view of the pitch.
- Category 4: This is the most affordable option, usually in the upper corners.
Tickets are often sold in sets of four. You will receive them as mobile tickets about three to four weeks before the match. Do not wait too long. The FIFA World Cup only happens every four years.
The Tactical Battle
Belgium has a history of tactical flexibility. For a long time, they used a 4-3-3 system during their “golden generation”. This allowed players like Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne to be creative. Later, under Roberto Martínez, they experimented with a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 to add defensive strength. Now, they continue to evolve to make the most of their talent.
New Zealand is also changing. For years, they played like they were weathering a storm. They focused on aerial dominance and “granite-hard” defense. Now, they want to hold the ball. They want to attack. Darren Bazeley demands that his team does not just survive waves of pressure but generates them.
However, this new style is risky. When New Zealand fullbacks like Cacace push high, they leave space behind them. Better teams can exploit this “midfield chasm”. If the opponent gets past the initial press, the center-backs have to cover a lot of ground. This is where a team like Belgium or Iran could be very dangerous.
Why This World Cup is Different
The 2026 edition is unique. It is the first time the tournament has 48 teams. It is the first time it is spread across three countries. This means more matches, more travel, and more excitement. The expansion gives more nations a chance to dream. For New Zealand, it is a return to the world stage for the first time since 2010. For Egypt and Iran, it is a chance to show that the gap between them and the European giants is closing.
The venues are also world-class. BC Place in Vancouver has a capacity that will create a deafening atmosphere. SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is a modern marvel where Iran will face New Zealand and Belgium. Lumen Field in Seattle will host the Belgium vs Egypt clash. These stadiums are ready for history.
The Key Players to Follow
Every team has a “Headliner.” For New Zealand, it is Chris Wood. He does not just glide into space; he claims it. He is the “architect of belief” for his country. He uses his strength to hold up the ball and bring others into the game.
For Belgium, the “Headliner” is Kevin De Bruyne. Even at 34, he remains one of the best midfielders in the world. He scored four goals and had two assists in 11 games for Napoli before his injury. His vision and passing are unmatched. If he is on the field, Belgium is a different team.
Egypt and Iran also have stars who play in the best leagues in the world. These players bring experience. They bring leadership. They know what it takes to win at the highest level.
Predictions for Group G
How will Group G end? Belgium is the favorite to finish first. They have the rank. They have the value. They have the experience. The battle for second place will be fierce. Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand all have a chance.
Egypt has the speed. Iran has the toughness. New Zealand has the structure. Similarly, the match between Egypt and Iran could be the decider. If New Zealand can get a “brave draw” against one of the bigger teams, they might sneak through. It happened in 2010. It could happen again.
FAQ
What is the nickname of the New Zealand team?
The New Zealand national team is known as the All Whites.
How many teams are playing in the 2026 World Cup?
The tournament has expanded to include 48 teams for the first time in history.
Where will the World Cup final be held?
The final will take place at MetLife Stadium, which will be called the New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament.
Who is the head coach of New Zealand?
Darren Bazeley is the head coach for the All Whites.
How many goals has Chris Wood scored for his country?
He has scored 45 goals, making him the all-time leading scorer for New Zealand.
What is the FIFA ranking of Belgium?
Belgium is currently ranked at position 9 in the world.
When does the World Cup start?
The tournament begins on June 11, 2026.
Concluding Words
The match between Egypt and IR Iran in the 2026 World Cup is a vital part of the Group G story. Both teams face a tough road against Belgium and New Zealand, making their head-to-head clash a must-watch event. Fans can expect a high-stakes game that will influence who moves into the knockout rounds of this historic 48-team tournament.
