World Cup 2026 Group G: Belgium · Egypt · Iran · New Zealand

Group G places Belgium in the role they have never quite been comfortable with: clear favorites in a group without a second elite side. Kevin De Bruyne's Red Devils enter at the back end of their golden generation, with Romelu Lukaku still the focal point and Jérémy Doku adding a new verticality on the wing. Against this field they should finish first — but Belgium have finished third or worse in four of their last five tournaments, and tournament football has a habit of punishing the almost-great.

Egypt are the second strongest team on paper and the side whose trajectory matters most. Mohamed Salah is 34 and in what is almost certainly his last World Cup; a Pharaohs team coached with a Champions League pedigree around him could advance. Iran have been the best Asian team at avoiding losses outside their confederation for a decade — expect a compact 4-5-1 designed to frustrate Belgium for 70 minutes and counter for 20.

New Zealand arrive as the OFC's first guaranteed entrant in the expanded format. The All Whites have been close to qualifying for each of the last three World Cups only to stumble in continental playoffs; the 48-team format removes that barrier. They are outsiders but not accidental participants, and their set-piece game is dangerous against anyone willing to give them one.