Team profile
World Cup Group G betting preview & tips
Belgium are favourites to win Group G at the FIFA World Cup, with Rudi Garcia’s side priced at 1.42 to top a section also featuring Egypt, Iran and New Zealand.
The Red Devils are expected to qualify comfortably for the Round of 32 with international betting sites, but the race behind them could be one of the more intriguing battles of the 2026 World Cup group stage.
Egypt arrive with Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush leading a dangerous attack, Iran bring tournament experience and defensive discipline, while New Zealand are the clear outsiders but have enough physicality and organisation to make games uncomfortable.
MORE: World Cup 2026
Egypt are the second favourites to win Group G at 5.50 and look the most likely challengers to Belgium. Hossam Hassan’s side topped their CAF qualifying group with eight wins and two draws, while Salah scored nine goals during the campaign.
Iran, priced at 8.00 to win the group, are experienced and awkward to play against, but Team Melli arrive as one of the harder teams to assess. Amir Ghalenoei’s side have the quality to compete for second place, yet their margin for error is thin in a group where the opener against New Zealand already looks decisive.
New Zealand are outsiders at 23.00 to win Group G and will be expected to finish bottom, but the All Whites have been here before. Their famous unbeaten 2010 World Cup campaign remains a reminder that they can frustrate better teams when they stay compact and defend well.
Lets take a deep dive into each Group G team’s prospects, including their captains, coaches, past World Cup results, predicted lineups and much more.
Group G Squads
🇧🇪 Belgium
- Manager: Rudi Garcia
- Captain: Kevin De Bruyne
- Group G winner odds: 1.42
- Qualify Group G odds: 1.04
Belgium are the clear class side in Group G and deserve to be favourites. The Red Devils are no longer at the peak of their golden generation, but there is still a serious core of experience around Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Axel Witsel. Garcia also has enough younger talent to freshen the side, with Jeremy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere, Amadou Onana and Zeno Debast giving Belgium athleticism and quality across the pitch. The biggest question is whether Belgium can turn their talent into a proper tournament run after a disappointing group-stage exit in 2022. This looks like a favourable draw, but Egypt have enough attacking quality to test them in the opener and Iran are capable of making games awkward.
- Confederation: UEFA
- Best World Cup: Third place (2018)
- World Cup qualifications: 15 (1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)
- Overall World Cup record: P51 W21 D10 L20 F69 A74
- How they qualified: Belgium topped Group J in UEFA qualifying, winning five matches and drawing three before sealing their place with a 7-0 win over Liechtenstein.
- Predicted lineup: Courtois; Castagne, Debast, Theate, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans, De Bruyne; Doku, Lukaku, Trossard.
- Squad: Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Senne Lammens, Mike Penders.
Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Maxim De Cuyper, Koni De Winter, Brandon Mechele, Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Joaquin Seys, Arthur Theate.
Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne, Amadou Onana, Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken, Axel Witsel.
Forwards: Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Romelu Lukaku, Dodi Lukebakio, Diego Moreira, Alexis Saelemaekers, Leandro Trossard.
🇪🇬 Egypt
- Manager: Hossam Hassan
- Captain: Mohamed Salah
- Group G winner odds: 5.50
- Qualify Group G odds: 1.33
Egypt look the most likely team to challenge Belgium and should be targeting a top-two finish. Salah remains the obvious headline act, but this is no longer a one-man attack. Omar Marmoush gives Egypt another elite forward option, while Mahmoud Trezeguet, Ibrahim Adel and Emam Ashour provide support from midfield and wide areas. The Pharaohs were excellent in qualifying, topping their CAF group with eight wins and two draws from 10 matches. Their World Cup record is still poor, with no wins from seven matches across three previous appearances, so this is a major opportunity for Egypt to turn regional strength into global progress. If Salah and Marmoush click, Egypt have enough cutting edge to beat Iran to second and make Belgium work hard for top spot.
- Confederation: CAF
- Best World Cup: Group stage (1934, 1990, 2018)
- World Cup qualifications: Four (1934, 1990, 2018, 2026)
- Overall World Cup record: P7 W0 D2 L5 F5 A12
- How they qualified: Egypt finished top of Group A in CAF qualifying, winning eight times and drawing twice in 10 matches. The Pharaohs scored 20 goals, with Mohamed Salah netting nine.
- Predicted lineup: El Shenawy; Hany, Rabia, Abdelmonem, Fatouh; Attia, Ashour, Zizo; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet.
- Squad: Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, El Mahdy Soliman, Mohamed Alaa.
Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Tarek Alaa, Hamdy Fathy, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Hossam Abdelmaguid, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Ahmed Fatouh, Karim Hafez.
Midfielders: Marwan Attia, Mohanad Lasheen, Nabil Emad, Mahmoud Saber, Ahmed Zizo, Emam Ashour, Mostafa Ziko, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Ibrahim Adel, Haissem Hassan.
Forwards: Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah, Hamza Abdelkarim.
🇮🇷 Iran
- Manager: Amir Ghalenoei
- Captain: Alireza Jahanbakhsh
- Group G winner odds: 8.00
- Qualify Group G odds: 1.50
Iran are one of the most experienced tournament sides in Group G, but they also look like one of the hardest teams to pin down. Team Melli have reached the last four World Cups and topped their decisive AFC qualifying group, drawing twice with fellow qualifiers Uzbekistan on the way. Mehdi Taremi remains the focal point in attack, with Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Saman Ghoddos and Mehdi Ghaedi giving Iran technical options around him. The strength of this side is still its structure, defensive discipline and ability to drag opponents into low-scoring games. The concern is whether Iran have enough dynamism to chase matches if they fall behind. Their opener against New Zealand is enormous, while the final match against Egypt could decide second place.
- Confederation: AFC
- Best World Cup: Group stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022)
- World Cup qualifications: Seven (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)
- Overall World Cup record: P18 W3 D4 L11 F13 A31
- How they qualified: Iran finished top of Group A in the decisive third round of AFC qualifying, drawing twice with Uzbekistan. Mehdi Taremi scored twice in the draw with Uzbekistan that sealed qualification.
- Predicted lineup: Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Kanaani, Khalilzadeh, Mohammadi; Ezatolahi, Cheshmi, Ghoddos; Jahanbakhsh, Taremi, Ghaedi.
- Squad: Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Hossein Hosseini, Payam Niazmand, Mohammed Khalifeh.
Defenders: Danial Eiri, Ehsan Hajsafi, Saleh Hardani, Hossein Kanaani, Shoka Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Ali Nemati, Omid Noorafkan, Ramin Rezaeian.
Midfielders: Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Mehdi Ghaedi, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Ghorbani, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebi, Amir Mohammad Razzaghinia, Mehdi Torabi, Aria Yousefi.
Forwards: Ali Alipour, Dennis Dargahi, Hadi Habibinejad, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Amirhossein Mahmoudi, Kasra Taheri, Mehdi Taremi.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
- Manager: Darren Bazeley
- Captain: Chris Wood
- Group G winner odds: 23.00
- Qualify Group G odds: 2.90
New Zealand are the clear outsiders in Group G, but the All Whites will not arrive simply to make up the numbers. Bazeley’s side secured Oceania’s first direct World Cup berth by beating Fiji and New Caledonia in the final round of qualifying, and this squad has a strong physical base. Chris Wood remains the key figure in attack, giving New Zealand a genuine Premier League-quality focal point, while Liberato Cacace, Tyler Bindon, Marko Stamenic and Joe Bell provide experience across the pitch. The challenge is obvious: New Zealand will likely spend long periods without the ball and need to be clinical from set pieces, second balls and transitions. Their opening match against Iran is their best chance to change the shape of the group.
- Confederation: OFC
- Best World Cup: Group stage (1982, 2010)
- World Cup qualifications: Three (1982, 2010, 2026)
- Overall World Cup record: P6 W0 D3 L3 F4 A14
- How they qualified: New Zealand secured Oceania’s first direct World Cup qualification berth by beating Fiji and New Caledonia in the final round of OFC qualifying.
- Predicted lineup: Crocombe; Payne, Boxall, Bindon, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic, Garbett; Just, Wood, Old.
- Squad: Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Michael Woud.
Defenders: Tim Payne, Francis De Vries, Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Nando Pijnaker, Finn Surman, Callan Elliot, Tommy Smith.
Midfielders: Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Marko Stamenic, Sarpreet Singh, Alex Rufer, Ryan Thomas.
Forwards: Chris Wood, Eli Just, Kosta Barbarouses, Ben Waine, Ben Old, Callum McCowatt, Jesse Randall, Lachlan Bayliss.
Group G teams, match-ups and betting preview
Teams: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
World Cup Group G Schedule
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Arena |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium vs Egypt | June 15, 2026 | 3pm | Seattle Stadium |
| Iran vs New Zealand | June 15, 2026 | 9pm | Los Angeles Stadium |
| Belgium vs Iran | June 21, 2026 | 3pm | Los Angeles Stadium |
| New Zealand vs Egypt | June 21, 2026 | 9pm | BC Place |
| Egypt vs Iran | June 26, 2026 | 11pm | Seattle Stadium |
| New Zealand vs Belgium | June 26, 2026 | 11pm | BC Place |
🇧🇪 Belgium v 🇪🇬 Egypt
(The biggest match of Group G arrives on opening day)
This is the standout match in Group G and could decide the race for first place immediately. Belgium have the stronger squad and more tournament experience, but Egypt have the attacking quality to hurt them if Salah and Marmoush find space in transition. The Belgians should have more control through De Bruyne, Tielemans and Onana, while Egypt will likely look to defend in numbers and break quickly. Belgium’s ageing core will want to start fast, but Egypt know a point or better would transform their qualification outlook. Historically, Egypt has the edge on Belgium, with three wins from their four matches, with the most recent a 2-1 result to The Pharaohs in November of 2022.
🇮🇷 Iran v 🇳🇿 New Zealand
(A must-win opener for Iran’s knockout hopes)
Iran will see this as the game they simply have to win if they are going to qualify from Group G. Team Melli should have more experience and technical quality, but New Zealand’s physicality, aerial threat and set-piece strength could make this a frustrating contest. Wood gives the All Whites a genuine outlet, while Iran will rely on Taremi and Jahanbakhsh to provide the attacking class. If Iran fail to take three points, the pressure on their matches against Belgium and Egypt will become enormous. Iran has played the Kiwis twice before, for a draw and a win, with the most recent over 20 years ago.
🇧🇪 Belgium v 🇮🇷 Iran
(Belgium’s creativity against Iran’s defensive block)
This could become a classic favourite-against-low-block match. Belgium will expect to dominate possession, but Iran are comfortable defending deep and making games narrow. De Bruyne’s passing, Doku’s one-on-one threat and Lukaku’s penalty-box presence should give Belgium enough ways to create chances, yet Iran are unlikely to collapse easily. If Team Melli can stay level into the second half, this could become awkward for Garcia’s side. Belgium’s patience and set-piece defending will both be tested. These two teams have never played an international fixture against each other, adding another layer of intrigue.
🇳🇿 New Zealand v 🇪🇬 Egypt
(Egypt must handle the game they are expected to win)
Egypt should have too much attacking quality, but this is the type of match that can become dangerous if they do not score early. New Zealand will likely defend compactly, lean on Wood as an outlet and look for set-piece chances. Egypt’s wide players and forwards need to move the ball quickly enough to stretch the All Whites before they settle into their defensive shape. If Salah and Marmoush are sharp, Egypt should take control. If not, New Zealand have enough discipline to drag the match into uncomfortable territory. The Kiwis have never beaten Egypt in three matches, with The Pharaohs having won the most recent (FIFA Series) 1-0 in 2024.
🇪🇬 Egypt v 🇮🇷 Iran
(Potentially the decisive match in the race for second place)
This could be the defining match of Group G. Egypt have the greater attacking upside, with Salah and Marmoush capable of deciding games from very little, but Iran have the tournament know-how and defensive organisation to frustrate them. Both teams will likely see this as the most direct battle for second place behind Belgium. If Egypt already have points on the board, they may not need to force the game. If Iran are chasing qualification, Team Melli may need to be more adventurous than they usually prefer. These teams have only faced each other once, with it ending in a 1-1 draw in the year 2000.
🇳🇿 New Zealand v 🇧🇪 Belgium
(Belgium should have too much class in the final round)
Belgium will expect to win this match, but the context could matter. If the Red Devils have already qualified, Garcia may have the luxury of managing minutes for older stars such as De Bruyne, Lukaku and Courtois. If top spot is still live, Belgium should have too much quality and depth for New Zealand. The All Whites will need to stay compact, defend crosses well and make the most of any chances that fall to Wood. Belgium’s attacking depth should eventually tell, especially if Doku and Trossard find room out wide. They have never played before.
World Cup Group G prediction & best bets
Belgium are the clear favourites in Group G and look the safest pick to finish top. Garcia’s side still have elite quality in goal, midfield and attack, while the draw gives them a strong platform to build momentum before the knockout stage.
Egypt are our pick to finish second. Iran are experienced and capable of making life difficult, but the Pharaohs have more attacking upside through Salah and Marmoush. If Egypt avoid defeat against Belgium in the opener, they could even put pressure on the group winner market.
The most logical Group G order is Belgium first, Egypt second, Iran third and New Zealand fourth. Iran may still have a path to the Round of 32 as a third-placed team, but Egypt look the stronger top-two option if their forwards deliver.
Belgium to win Group G at 1.42
Group G Exacta, Belgium first and Egypt second with football betting sites.
