World Cup 2026: Group G

Group G at a Glance

Group G delivers one of the most compelling narratives of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Belgium arrive as heavy favourites, priced at 1.45 to top the group, but they face a trio of opponents with genuine motivation and varying degrees of tournament pedigree. Egypt bring Mohamed Salah, one of the most decorated forwards in modern football. Iran return as Asia’s most durable World Cup campaigners. And New Zealand — Australia’s closest sporting neighbour and Oceania’s sole representative — carry the weight of a confederation’s expectations across the Tasman.

For Australian football fans, this group demands attention. The All Whites qualifying for consecutive World Cups marks a watershed moment for Oceania, and their fortunes in Group G will shape the conversation around regional development, FIFA’s expanded format, and the trans-Tasman rivalry that stretches far beyond rugby and cricket.

Belgium — Golden Generation, Final Chapter

Belgium (1.45 odds to top the group) enter the 2026 World Cup at a crossroads. The golden generation that propelled them to number one in the FIFA rankings — Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois — are now in the twilight of their international careers. De Bruyne, who turned 35 in June, may be playing his final major tournament. The question for head coach Domenico Tedesco is whether the transition to the next wave of talent can happen without a dip in results.

The Red Devils’ recent tournament record tells a story of diminishing returns. Third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, they crashed out in the group stage in Qatar four years later, a humbling exit that exposed defensive fragility and an over-reliance on ageing legs. The squad has since undergone a partial refresh, with younger players like Johan Bakayoko, Arthur Vermeeren, and Amadou Onana given more responsibility in midfield and attack.

Belgium’s strength in Group G lies in squad depth. Even a transitional Belgian side boasts more Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A experience than any opponent in this pool. Their pressing game under Tedesco is more structured than the free-flowing approach of Roberto Martinez’s era, and that tactical discipline should prove decisive against teams that will largely sit deep and counter.

The danger for Belgium is complacency. Their 2022 group-stage exit came precisely because they underestimated the opposition and assumed quality would prevail. Egypt and Iran are both capable of organised, disciplined defensive performances, and a sluggish start could create unnecessary drama.

Egypt — Salah’s World Cup Swansong

Egypt (4.90 odds) are the most dangerous second seed in the tournament, and Mohamed Salah is the reason. At 34, the Liverpool legend has maintained an extraordinary level of performance in the Premier League, and his first — and likely only — World Cup appearance will carry enormous emotional weight across the African continent and beyond.

The Pharaohs have qualified for back-to-back World Cups for the first time since the 1930s, a testament to the growth of Egyptian football infrastructure and the galvanising effect Salah has had on the national programme. Head coach Rui Vitoria has built a system that balances defensive solidity with rapid transitions, designed to funnel possession toward Salah in dangerous areas.

Beyond the talisman, Egypt’s squad has genuine quality. Mohamed Elneny provides experienced midfield control, while Mostafa Mohamed has emerged as a reliable secondary striker. The defence, anchored by players hardened in African Champions League campaigns, is compact and difficult to break down when set.

Egypt’s path to the knockout rounds likely runs through their opening fixture against Belgium. A point there would transform the group dynamic entirely, giving the Pharaohs confidence to dispatch Iran and New Zealand in the remaining matches. A heavy defeat, conversely, could leave them fighting for survival on the final matchday.

For Australian fans, Salah’s presence ensures this is must-watch football. His record in big-game moments — Champions League finals, title deciders, penalty shootouts — suggests he will rise to the occasion on the grandest stage of all.

Iran — Asia’s Persistent Force

Iran (8.00 odds) are the quiet operators of Group G. Team Melli have now qualified for four of the last five World Cups, a record that no other Asian nation can match, and they arrive in North America with a squad seasoned by competitive AFC qualification campaigns and regular fixtures against top-level opposition.

Under head coach Amir Ghalenoei, Iran play a pragmatic, counter-attacking style that is purpose-built for tournament football. The defensive block is well-drilled, transition play is sharp, and set pieces are treated as genuine goal-scoring opportunities. Mehdi Taremi, now established in European club football, leads the line with intelligence and physicality, while Sardar Azmoun provides pace and movement behind him.

Iran’s World Cup history is one of near-misses. At Russia 2018, they were seconds away from beating Portugal and topping a group that also included Spain. In Qatar 2022, they beat Wales convincingly before a narrow loss to the United States ended their campaign. The pattern is clear: Iran compete fiercely, occasionally spring an upset, but struggle to sustain form across three group matches.

The expanded 48-team format works in Iran’s favour. With the top two from each group progressing automatically, plus the best third-placed teams, Iran no longer need to beat one of the big boys to advance. A win against New Zealand and a credible draw against either Belgium or Egypt could be enough to see them through.

For Australian observers, Iran represent a familiar adversary from AFC qualifying — a team the Socceroos have battled repeatedly in World Cup qualification, often in febrile atmospheres in Tehran. Their consistency in reaching the finals serves as both a benchmark and a reminder of the depth of competition within Asian football.

New Zealand — Trans-Tasman Pride on the Line

New Zealand (20.00 odds) are the fairytale story of Group G, and for Australian football supporters, no team in this World Cup carries more personal resonance. The All Whites are Australia’s closest sporting neighbour, the trans-Tasman rivalry a thread that runs through cricket, rugby union, rugby league, netball, and — increasingly — football.

New Zealand’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup is a landmark achievement. Their 2010 campaign in South Africa, where they drew all three group games and departed unbeaten, remains one of the great underdog stories in World Cup history. Qualifying for consecutive tournaments — sixteen years apart — validates the long-term investment in New Zealand football development and the growing professionalism of the domestic game.

Head coach Darren Bazeley has assembled a squad that blends A-League experience with European adventure. Chris Wood, the veteran striker who has spent over a decade in the English top flight, provides a proven aerial threat and a calm presence in the dressing room. Liberato Cacace offers pace and energy at full-back, while the midfield has been bolstered by a new generation of players who grew up watching the 2010 side and were inspired to pursue the sport.

Tactically, New Zealand will need to be supremely organised to survive Group G. Against Belgium, damage limitation is the primary objective — keeping the scoreline tight and preserving energy for the decisive fixtures against Egypt and Iran. A point from either of those matches would represent a credible return; a win would send shockwaves through the tournament.

The reality is that New Zealand are significant underdogs in every fixture. But the expanded format gives them a lifeline that did not exist in previous World Cups. If they can replicate the defensive resilience of 2010 — when they held Italy, Paraguay, and Slovakia — then a run to the knockout rounds is not beyond the realm of possibility.

For Australians, the All Whites’ journey in Group G will be followed with a mixture of neighbourly support and competitive interest. A strong New Zealand performance lifts the profile of Oceanian football and strengthens the case for continued regional investment.

Group G Fixtures

Date	Match	Venue
16 June 2026	Belgium vs Egypt	MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
16 June 2026	Iran vs New Zealand	Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
21 June 2026	Belgium vs Iran	MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
21 June 2026	Egypt vs New Zealand	Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
26 June 2026	Belgium vs New Zealand	MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
26 June 2026	Egypt vs Iran	Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Group G Prediction

Pos	Team	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
1	Belgium	3	0	0	6	1	9
2	Egypt	2	0	1	4	2	6
3	Iran	1	0	2	2	4	3
4	New Zealand	0	0	3	1	6	0

Belgium’s squad depth and European pedigree make them overwhelming favourites to win the group. Egypt, powered by Salah’s brilliance, should secure second place, though Iran will push them hard. New Zealand face the steepest climb but will earn respect with their effort and organisation.

For the full breakdown of group winner markets, visit our World Cup 2026 odds page. For all twelve group previews, head to the complete group hub. Australian punters looking for World Cup markets can compare licensed bookmakers in our Australian betting sites guide.

Australia Football’s World Cup 2026 coverage continues…