2026 World Cup Group G Preview: Rosters, Favorites, Predictions
Introduction
Group G of the 2026 World Cup looks like one of the most intriguing at the early stage of the tournament. It features Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand.
At first glance, the group seems fairly straightforward: Belgium appears to be the clear favorite thanks to the higher individual quality and top-level experience of its players. However, the battle for second place promises to be very tight. Egypt remains one of Africa’s most prestigious national teams, Iran is traditionally dangerous due to its discipline and organization, and New Zealand is capable of imposing a physical, hard-nosed style of play.
One of the key storylines is how Belgium will navigate this generational shift and how quickly the team’s new faces will adapt to the pressure of the World Cup. For many, Group G could serve as a good test of whether Belgium remains a team capable of a deep run or if it will now have to survive by relying on structure rather than just talent.
Group Teams
Belgium
Belgium enters the tournament as the clear favorite in Group G. The team no longer resembles the squad associated with the peak of the “golden generation,” but even after a leadership transition, the Belgians retain a high level of quality and a very strong roster.
The team remains strong in its attacking play, is comfortable with positional football, and knows how to punish opponents for mistakes in transition. At the same time, the biggest question surrounding the team is not talent, but consistency. At the World Cup, Belgium will have to prove that the new version of the team is capable of maintaining the pace and pressure in matches where it no longer has the same star power as before.
Jérémy Doku remains the main star. His sharpness, dribbling, and ability to make a difference in one-on-one situations make Belgium particularly dangerous against a compact defense.
Egypt
Egypt looks to be Belgium’s main rival in the battle for first place and the most obvious candidate to advance to the knockout stage from second place. This team has long established itself as one of the leaders of African soccer and knows how to manage tournament football.
The Egyptians traditionally rely on organized play without the ball, patience, and quick attacks through their attacking leaders. Their main strength is their experience in big matches and their ability to maintain structure even when the opponent has more possession.
The team’s star player is Mohamed Salah. Even in the later stages of his career, he remains a player capable of changing a game with a single burst of speed, a shot, or a pass into open space.
Iran
Iran once again approaches the World Cup as a very difficult opponent for any favorite.
This team rarely plays spectacularly, but it almost always maintains discipline and knows how to slow down the pace of the match.
Iran’s main strengths are its compactness, physical fitness, and experience playing in tight situations. Such a team is dangerous above all in matches where the cost of a mistake is highest. If the Iranians pick up points in the first round, they could very well join the real fight for second place.
Mehdi Taremi remains the team’s star player. He is a forward who knows how to seize opportunities, works effectively in the penalty area, and can make the most of even the slightest chance.
New Zealand
New Zealand looks like the group’s underdog, but this team shouldn’t be underestimated. For teams like this, the expanded tournament format offers a chance not just to make it to the World Cup, but to genuinely compete for points and cause problems for higher-ranked opponents.
The New Zealanders typically rely on physicality, discipline, and simple yet effective tactical systems. They won’t dominate possession, but they’re capable of imposing a physical battle, applying pressure on set pieces, and delivering long passes behind the defense.
Chris Wood remains the team's key player. His experience, ability to battle in the box, and aerial play make New Zealand particularly dangerous in direct matches.
Favorites and Underdogs
Belgium is considered the top favorite in Group G. First, the team has the strongest roster in the group. Second, even after a generational shift, the Belgians maintain a high level of individual quality across nearly all positions.
Egypt looks like the main contender for second place. This team is better than the others in the group at combining discipline, experience, and having a world-class player in attack. If the team doesn’t stumble at the start of the tournament, their chances of reaching the knockout stage will be very high.
Iran is a dark horse. This team knows how to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm, play on their nerves, and pull out tight matches in their favor. Iran will be particularly dangerous in a scenario where they score first.
New Zealand remains the clear underdog, yet it is precisely such teams that sometimes completely shake up the group standings. If the New Zealanders manage to avoid a loss in their first match, the pressure on the other teams will rise sharply.
For fans of analytics and predictions, the group stage of the 2026 World Cup will be an excellent opportunity to test their soccer knowledge. Match analytics and predictions for all tournament matches are available for you on Winio.
Key Players in the Group
Jérémy Doku – Belgium
Club: Manchester City
Belgium’s most dangerous player in one-on-one situations. His speed and dribbling could be his main weapons against defensive opponents.
Kevin De Bruyne – Belgium
Club: Napoli
Even amid a generational shift, he remains the player who sets the standard for the entire national team. His passes and vision can decide any match in the group.
Mohamed Salah – Egypt
Club: Liverpool
The star of Group G and the face of the Egyptian national team. How far Egypt can go in the tournament depends largely on his form.
Mehdi Taremi – Iran
Club: Olympiacos
A key player in Iran’s attack. He is very dangerous in the penalty area and knows how to turn rare chances into goals.
Chris Wood – New Zealand
Club: Nottingham Forest
New Zealand’s main attacking force. He is particularly important in set-piece situations and aerial duels.
Omar Marmoush – Egypt
Club: Manchester City
One of the most dynamic players in the group. His speed and aggression on the break can make Egypt a very tough opponent for Belgium and Iran.
Key Matches in the Group
Belgium – Egypt
The group’s key match and a potential battle for first place. Egypt will try to impose a tight and cautious style of play, while Belgium will rely on individual talent and pressure in the final third.
Egypt – Iran
This match will likely determine who secures the second spot in the knockout stage. Both teams know how to play pragmatically, so the value of the first goal here will be particularly high.
Iran vs. New Zealand
A match that could completely reshape the group standings. Dropping points here will almost certainly complicate the path to the knockout stage for either team.
Group G Match Schedule
Matchday 1
- June 15 – Belgium vs. Egypt
- June 16 – New Zealand vs. Iran
Matchday 2
- June 21 – Belgium vs. Iran
- June 22 – New Zealand vs. Egypt
Matchday 3
- June 27 – Iran vs. Egypt
- June 27 – New Zealand vs. Belgium
Historical Context
For a long time, Belgium has been associated with one of the most brilliant generations in European soccer. However, the team is approaching the 2026 World Cup in a new phase, where it must re-establish its former status. This is precisely what makes the tournament particularly important for the national team.
Egypt is traditionally considered one of Africa’s most recognizable and successful teams. For this national team, every World Cup is an opportunity to remind the world that African teams are capable not only of surprising opponents but also of consistently competing at the highest level.
Iran has proven time and again at World Cups that it is capable of seriously complicating life for the favorites. This team rarely loses its tactical discipline and almost always fights until the very last minutes.
New Zealand has historically been viewed as an underdog in world soccer, but it is precisely such teams that are often underestimated. For the New Zealanders, simply qualifying for the tournament is already a success, but in Group G, they will have a chance to compete not only for experience but also for actual points.
Interestingly, this group brings together very different footballing styles: European technique and positional control, African power and directness, Asian discipline, and Oceania's physical approach. That is precisely why almost every match here could prove stylistically awkward for both sides.
Prediction
Belgium remains the group’s top favorite. Despite a generational shift, the quality of the squad and the class of key players should allow the team to take first place.
A serious battle is expected for second place between Egypt and Iran. The Egyptians look slightly more likely to prevail thanks to a more dynamic attack and the presence of players capable of making a difference on an individual level.
New Zealand is capable of causing problems for any opponent, especially in a physical, tight-knit match. However, over the course of three matches, the team may lack the speed of decision-making and quality in the final third.
Predicted Group G Standings:
- Belgium
- Egypt
- Iran
- New Zealand
