The FIFA World Cup 2026 features 48 teams divided into twelve groups of four each. Each group must battle for a chance to proceed to the later knockout stages of the tournament. Group G consists of national teams from Belgium, New Zealand, Iran, and Egypt. This eclectic mix of talent is sure to put on a good show, regardless of who advances when all is said and done. To learn more about each club and their respective chances of winning, read on for full World Cup Group G preview coverage.

Group G Match Listing

1. Iran vs. New Zealand Monday, June 15, 2026 – Los Angeles Stadium
2. Belgium vs. Egypt Monday, June 15, 2026 – Seattle Stadium
3. Belgium vs. Iran Sunday, June 21, 2026 – Los Angeles Stadium
4. New Zealand vs. Egypt Sunday, June 21, 2026 – BC Place, Vancouver
5. Egypt vs. Iran Friday, June 26, 2026 – Seattle Stadium
6. New Zealand vs. Belgium Friday, June 26, 2026 – BC Place, Vancouver

Belgium World Cup Overview

Although the golden generation was unable to take home the trophy in previous tournaments, Belgium still has iconic talent like Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne leading the next generation of stars. Younger players such as Jeremy Doku, Lois Openda, and Charles De Ketelaere bring a ton of excitement to football. This mixture is sure to produce potent results against the other participants of Group G.

Belgium’s coach, Rudi Garcia, is a versatile tactician who is willing to switch between 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1 formation depending on the opponent. The team plays at a wide pace and hopes to quickly take control of the ball via an aggressive approach. Once in possession of the ball, the idea is to quickly convert that control into goal opportunities.

Belgium’s Probable Starters

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

Defenders: Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Sporting CP), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton)

Midfielders: Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli)

Forwards: Jeremy Doku (Man City), Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal), or Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta)

Iran World Cup Overview

Iran is by far one of the most experienced teams in Asia, having attended the last four World Cups in a row. Coach Amir Ghalenoei has been with them every step of the way, so the chemistry and cohesion are unmatched in Group G. The club is ranked 20th overall by FIFA, so it would be foolish for any team to underestimate them during a tense matchup.

The team utilizes a flexible 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation that places a strong emphasis on defense. The focus is on smart, controlled transitions as opposed to maximizing possession time. If Iran can hold out for scoring opportunities, it just might have a chance to claim victory.

Iran’s Probable Starters

Goalkeeper: Alireza Beiranvand (Tractor)

Right Back: Saleh Hardani (Esteghlal)

Centre Backs: Shojae Khalilzadeh (Tractor) and Hossein Kanaanizadegan (Persepolis)

Left Back: Milad Mohammadi (Persepolis)

Defensive Midfield: Saeid Ezatolahi (Shabab Al Ahli) and Saman Ghoddos (Kalba)

Right Wing: Alireza Jahanbakhsh (FCV Dender EH)

Attacking Midfield/Wing: Mehdi Ghayedi (Al-Nasr)

Left Wing: Mohammad Mohebi (Rostov)

Striker: Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos)

Egypt World Cup Overview

This will be only the fourth time Egypt has appeared on the World Cup stage. However, that does not mean the team lacks experience. The head coach, Hossam Hassan, was a player for Egypt when they attended the World Cup in 1990. His aim will surely be to take his nation farther than ever before.

The team has immense momentum built up, winning all ten of their qualifying matches while only allowing two opposing goals. The formation is comfortable with both a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-1-2 structure, depending on the opponent. Egypt will surely use its ironclad defense to its advantage in an attempt to stifle the other teams of Group G.

Egypt’s Probable Starters

Goalkeeper: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly)

Defenders: Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek), Ramy Rabia (Al Ain), Ahmed Fattouh (Zamalek)

Midfielders: Marwan Attia (Al Ahly), Hamdi Fathi (Al-Wakrah), Emam Ashour (Al Ahly)

Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool – Captain), Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes), Omar Marmoush (Man City)

New Zealand World Cup Overview

New Zealand’s National Team is back with a vengeance for the first time since 2010. Their qualifying campaign was a rather impressive seven wins in a row. All while only conceding one goal to opponents. The club is clearly eager to hop back in and make a name for itself.

Darren Bazeley has been the coach since 2023 and has since transformed his squad into a physical powerhouse. Each player brings a consistent skillset to the team, culminating in a potent threat across the whole field.

New Zealand’s Probable Starters

Goalkeeper: Max Crocombe (Millwall)

Defenders: Tyler Bindon (Sheffield United), Michael Boxall (Minnesota United), Nando Pijnaker (Auckland FC)

Midfielders/Wingbacks: Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Joe Bell (Viking), Marko Stamenić (Swansea City), Liberato Cacace (Empoli)

Forwards/Attacking Midfielders: Ben Old (Saint-Étienne), Matt Garbett (NAC Breda), Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)

Group G Betting Odds

Belgium is the overwhelming favorite to advance to the knockout stages, with a roughly 70% chance of winning Group G. Their impressive squad depth and brutal attacking ability will likely be enough to clinch this round. Egypt has the next-best odds on popular booking websites. Both New Zealand and Iran are considered long-shot contenders. Still, anything can happen on the pitch once a match is underway, especially during the World Cup when tensions are high, and practically the whole planet is watching.