Group G may not be the “Group of Death”, but it could be one of the most competitive groups in the tournament. Belgium are the favourites, but the battle between Egypt and Iran for qualification promises to be closely contested. Expect tactical battles rather than many goals, with Salah chasing a memorable World Cup campaign and Iran looking to make a historic knockout-stage appearance.
Belgium – World Rank 9
This will be the Red Devils’ 15th appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
Rudi Garcia – The Coach
The French football manager, Rudi Garcia, took charge of the Belgium national team in January 2025. He is best known for winning the French domestic double (Ligue 1 and Coupe de France) with LOSC Lille in 2011.
Although the odds appear to be in their favour, Garcia is taking nothing for granted. “We have a huge amount of respect for the other three sides in our group,” he said.
Thibaut Courtois – The Main Man
Thibaut Courtois is still regarded as one of the game’s best goalkeepers, although he missed two months of last season with a thigh injury and only returned in May. He made his debut for Belgium in 2012 and this will be his fourth World Cup appearance.
Jérémy Doku – Shooting Star
Jérémy Doku, coming off a fine season for Manchester City, is expected to be the catalyst if Belgium are to progress from Group G. Doku was in fine form this season, scoring nine goals and providing 14 assists.
Fixtures
16 June, vs Egypt – Lumen Field, Seattle
22 June, vs Iran – SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
27 June, vs New Zealand – BC Place, Vancouver
World Cup Highlights
Belgium finished third in 2018 – their best World Cup campaign ever. Guided by the ‘Golden Generation’ of De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Courtois, they beat Brazil 2–1 in a classic quarter-final before losing to eventual champions France in the semi-final. They then beat England 2–0 in the third-place play-off for their best-ever finish at a World Cup.
Prediction
Belgium should top the group, but they are no longer the dominant force they were at the 2018 World Cup. A disciplined side could cause them problems.
Egypt – World Rank 29
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be Egypt’s fourth appearance on football’s biggest stage; however, their previous World Cup appearances came in 1934, 1990 and 2018.
Hossam Hassan – The Coach
Hossam Hassan is an Egyptian football legend and the all-time leading goalscorer for the Egypt national team. As of 2026, he serves as head coach of the Egypt national team, having taken charge in February 2024.
Mohamed Salah – The Main Man
Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool career may have ended on a slightly sour note after a poor campaign for both club and country, but he remains Egypt’s undisputed talisman. Indeed, he was their top scorer (nine goals) and top assister (three assists) during World Cup qualifying.
Omar Marmoush – The Shooting Star
The Manchester City forward, Omar Marmoush, is Egypt’s biggest attacking weapon after Mohamed Salah. The 27-year-old striker has clinical finishing ability from both central and wide positions, and so far has scored 11 goals for Egypt in his career.
Fixtures
16 June, vs Belgium – Lumen Field, Seattle
22 June, vs New Zealand – BC Place, Vancouver
27 June, vs Iran – Lumen Field, Seattle
World Cup Highlights
Egypt have never progressed beyond the group stage, but their 1990 run remains their most respectable World Cup performance. The Pharaohs drew with the Netherlands and Ireland, but lost narrowly to England.
Prediction
Egypt look better balanced than previous generations. If Salah produces his best form, the Pharaohs have a realistic chance of reaching the knockout stage.
Iran – World Rank 21
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks Iran’s seventh overall appearance and fourth consecutive qualification.
Amir Ghalenoei – The Coach
Amir Ghalenoei is one of the most decorated figures in Iranian football, transitioning from a successful midfield career for Esteghlal and the Iran national team to become one of the most successful managers in the country. Nicknamed “The General”, he currently manages the Iran national team.
Mehdi Taremi – The Main Man
Iranian legend, talisman and primary goalscorer – the experienced striker is the focal point of the team’s attack. The Olympiacos number 9 has scored 58 goals in 103 matches for the Iranian national team.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh – The Shooting Star
Alireza is a 27-year-old right winger who is currently playing in the Belgian first division. His experience in European football, combined with his ability and knack for delivering in crucial moments, make him one of Iran’s most influential players.
Fixtures
16 June, vs New Zealand – SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
22 June, vs Belgium – SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
27 June, vs Egypt – Lumen Field, Seattle
World Cup Highlights
Iran came closest to reaching the knockout stage at the 2018 World Cup. They shocked Morocco 1–0, narrowly lost to Spain and then drew 1–1 with Portugal.
Prediction
Iran have every chance of challenging Egypt for second place. A draw against Belgium and victory over New Zealand could completely change the group’s dynamics.
New Zealand – World Rank 85
This will be New Zealand’s third appearance at the FIFA World Cup. They made their debut back in 1982, hosted by Spain.
Darren Bazeley – The Coach
The 53-year-old Englishman, currently serving as the head coach of the New Zealand national team, will make history as the first head coach to manage at all four major men’s tournaments (U-17 and U-20 World Cups, Olympic Games, and the World Cup).
Chris Wood – The Main Man
Having played over 100 matches for Nottingham Forest, Wood is the all-time leading scorer of the All Whites. The veteran striker remains New Zealand’s biggest goal threat and will be the main man for any hopes of causing an upset in Group G.
Tyler Bindon – The Shooting Star
Tyler is regarded as the future leader of New Zealand’s defence. At just 21, the Sheffield United centre-back has already established himself as a regular international and arrives at the World Cup as one of the country’s brightest young talents.
Fixtures
16 June, vs Iran – SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
22 June, vs Egypt – BC Place, Vancouver
27 June, vs Belgium – BC Place, Vancouver
World Cup Highlights
New Zealand delivered one of the most incredible underdog stories in World Cup history in 2010. The All Whites were undefeated but did not make it out of the group stage. They drew with Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay, and finished with three points. Remarkably, they were the only team to go unbeaten at the tournament, with even champions Spain losing their opening match.
Prediction
New Zealand are likely to spend most games defending deep and looking for opportunities from set pieces. They could frustrate opponents, but progressing would require a major upset.
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