Group G predictions: FIFA World Cup 2026
As we build up to FIFA World Cup 2026, Group G comes under the spotlight as we assess the prospects of Belgium, Egypt, IR Iran and New Zealand.
Fixtures
Matchday 1
Belgium vs Egypt
IR Iran vs New Zealand
Matchday 2
Belgium vs IR Iran
New Zealand vs Egypt
Matchday 3
Egypt vs IR Iran
New Zealand vs Belgium
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Perhaps one of the weaker and more one-sided groups at FIFA World Cup 2026, Group G will be played across Seattle, Los Angeles and Vancouver as Belgium Egypt, IR Iran and New Zealand lock horns.
Belgium, who are currently ranked inside the top ten in the FIFA world rankings, were unconvincing in their qualification campaign with two draws against North Macedonia, as well as against Kazakhstan. They did put in an excellent performance to hammer the USA by five goals to two in a friendly back in March.
Under the management of Hossam Hassan, the Egyptians reached the semi-finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations before playing some steady and defensive football in the spring as they shared a goalless draw with Spain and then earned a 1-0 win over Russia.
IR Iran, who recently moved their base camp to Tijuana in Mexico, remain one of the stronger sides in Asia, albeit heavily reliant on former Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi for quality in the final third.
New Zealand qualified extremely comfortably out of Oceania but the All Whites are among the weakest teams at this summer’s tournament, albeit they did put in a surprisingly strong performance to hammer Chile by four goals to one in March.
New Zealand may be able to contain things against Egypt and IR Iran but are expected to finish bottom of Group G, with Egypt likely to get the better of it against themselves and IR Iran due to the attacking quality that The Pharaohs have, spearheaded by the likes of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
Belgium will be expected to come out on top in this group, however Rudi Garcia’s Red Devils may not go too deep in the competition with their limited depth.
Predicted group placements
1st: Belgium
2nd: Egypt
3rd: IR Iran
4th: New Zealand
