World Cup 2026 Group G Preview – Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand

World Cup 2026 Group G Betting Preview

Group G looks wide open on paper but Belgium should edge it. They’ve got the experience, the quality in midfield, and a real chance to prove they’re still a force at international level. Iran and Egypt will scrap it out for second spot, while New Zealand will be hoping to surprise – but realistically, they’re the whipping boys here.

This group has genuine intrigue. Belgium are showing their age in some areas, but they’ve still got class. Egypt come loaded with Mo Salah, who’s a different beast in international football – clinical, hungry, and the main creative spark. Iran are dangerous on the counter and always make life uncomfortable. New Zealand? They’ll be competitive but up against it.

Key Fixtures

Belgium versus Egypt on 15 June is the stand-out opener. Watch how Belgium start here – if they click early, they’ll be heavy favorites for the group. Salah will be dangerous, especially on the break, so Belgium can’t afford to be sloppy in possession. This is a strong indicator of how the group will shake out.

Iran versus New Zealand on 16 June is more predictable. Iran should win, but New Zealand rarely roll over. This is a chance for Iran to build momentum and set themselves up nicely against Belgium four days later.

Belgium versus Iran on 21 June could be the actual group decider. If Belgium win both openers, they’re through. If Iran grab that New Zealand win and then shock Belgium, suddenly Iran are in the driving seat. Expect Iran to defend deep and hit on the counter – it’s their blueprint.

Group G Betting Tips

Belgium to win the group at current odds looks solid. They’ve got a realistic draw in the two weakest teams initially, and if they dispatch Egypt and Iran, they’re champions. The odds might not be huge, but it’s a straightforward play.

Egypt to qualify is interesting. Salah changes their floor completely – they’re not an easy scalp. They’ll fancy beating New Zealand and could nick a draw against Iran. If they beat Iran, they’re almost certainly through. Look at Egypt qualification odds; they’re often underpriced because people sleep on Salah’s influence.

Back Iran for second at decent odds. They’re the wildcards here. If they beat New Zealand and get a result against Belgium (even a draw works), they’ll likely sneak through. They’re tactically switched on and could exploit New Zealand’s defensive frailties.

Avoid New Zealand to qualify. Harsh, but they don’t have the firepower. A shock result is possible, but banking on them getting through three decent sides is asking for trouble.

Our Call

Belgium win the group. Iran finish second. Egypt close third but still qualify. New Zealand go home early. Belgium’s class shows eventually, Iran’s defensive discipline keeps them in it, and Salah drags Egypt over the line for a top-two finish.

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