2026 FIFA World Cup Group G Preview: Belgium Has the Edge, But History Will Be Made

At first glance, Group G appears to be one of the weakest groups in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Belgium enters as the clear favorite, while Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand all share a common distinction: none have ever advanced beyond the group stage of a World Cup.

That means one of two things will happen.

Either Belgium cruises through and one of the remaining three nations finally makes history, or Belgium once again fails to live up to expectations and creates one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

Given Belgium’s recent World Cup history, neither outcome would be shocking.

Belgium: One Last Run for the Golden Generation

Belgium’s golden generation produced some unforgettable moments.

It also produced plenty of disappointment.

After reaching the quarterfinals in 2014 and the semifinals in 2018, Belgium crashed out in the group stage in 2022. Now the Red Devils arrive at the 2026 World Cup with an aging core and one final opportunity to make a meaningful run.

Kevin De Bruyne remains one of the world’s best midfielders, but he is now 34 years old. Romelu Lukaku is still dangerous, but he is no longer the dominant force he once was. Thibaut Courtois remains elite in goal, while veterans Thomas Meunier and Axel Witsel provide experience.

The future of Belgian football is beginning to emerge as well.

Jeremy Doku brings explosive pace and creativity, while Amadou Onana and Alexis Saelemaekers represent the next generation of talent.

The question is whether Belgium can successfully bridge the gap between its aging stars and younger players.

Grueling Truth Verdict:

The most talented team in the group and the favorite to finish first, but questions remain about whether Belgium can compete with the tournament’s elite. Check out our top sites for betting on the World Cup.

Iran: The Team Nobody Wants to Play

Iran has become one of the most consistently successful teams in Asian football.

The problem is that success has never translated into a World Cup breakthrough.

Despite multiple appearances over the last two decades, Iran has never managed to advance beyond the group stage. This year’s squad may offer one of its best opportunities.

Veteran striker Mehdi Taremi remains the focal point of the attack and has built a reputation for delivering in big moments. Around him is a disciplined squad that understands exactly how it wants to play.

Iran’s path is simple.

Beat New Zealand in the opener, stay competitive against Belgium, and then win what could be a winner-take-all showdown against Egypt.

Grueling Truth Verdict:

Disciplined, experienced, and dangerous enough to claim second place.

Egypt: Can Salah Deliver One More Time?

Every World Cup needs a superstar.

In Group G, that player is Mohamed Salah.

For years, Salah has carried Egyptian football on his shoulders. Now 33 years old, he enters what could be his final World Cup opportunity to accomplish something no Egyptian team has ever achieved.

The good news for Egypt is that Salah finally has help.

Omar Marmoush has developed into a legitimate attacking threat and gives Egypt a dangerous second option capable of taking pressure off Liverpool’s legendary winger.

The challenge will be consistency. Check out the Best site bonuses for betting on the World Cup!

Egypt has often relied too heavily on Salah to create magic. If the supporting cast contributes, this team is capable of advancing.

Grueling Truth Verdict:

A dangerous team that will likely battle Iran for second place until the final matchday.

New Zealand: Chasing History

New Zealand enters the tournament as the underdog of Group G.

That doesn’t mean they are without hope.

The All Whites are led by veteran striker Chris Wood, who remains one of the most reliable goal scorers in international football. The squad also features several players with experience in England, Major League Soccer, and European leagues.

The challenge is obvious.

New Zealand lacks the depth and overall talent of the other teams in the group.

To advance, they will likely need to earn points against either Egypt or Iran before pulling off a major upset against Belgium.

It’s a difficult path, but World Cups have produced stranger stories.

Grueling Truth Verdict:

A tough, organized team, but the talent gap may simply be too much to overcome.

Match of the Group

Egypt vs. Iran – June 26

This could easily be the most important match in Group G.

With Belgium expected to finish first, Egypt and Iran appear headed toward a battle for second place. If the standings unfold as expected, this final matchday showdown could determine which nation finally reaches the knockout stage for the first time.

Expect tension, physical play, and enormous stakes.

Final Group G Prediction

1. Belgium

2. Egypt

3. Iran

4. New Zealand

Belgium has too much talent and experience not to win this group.

Egypt narrowly edges Iran thanks to the presence of Mohamed Salah and a slightly more dangerous attack.

Iran remains competitive throughout and could easily swap places with Egypt, while New Zealand battles hard but finds points difficult to come by.

Grueling Truth Pick to Win Group G

Winner: Belgium

This is not the dominant Belgian squad that many believed could win the World Cup a decade ago, but it is still the strongest team in Group G.

With De Bruyne pulling the strings in midfield, Courtois protecting the goal, and Lukaku providing a scoring threat, Belgium should win the group and move comfortably into the knockout rounds. Check out the Top Sportsbooks for betting on the World Cup!

The bigger story, however, may be who joins them.

For either Egypt or Iran, history is waiting.

Final Thoughts

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With no trading requirements and automatic entry into the World Cup Final ticket drawing, the contest offers a straightforward way for fans to add another layer of excitement to the 2026 tournament.

Those interested in participating should remember that entries close on June 11, 2026 at 3:00pm EDT, and all selections become permanent once submitted.