Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup may not be the most glamorous group on paper, but it could deliver one of the most competitive qualification races of the tournament.
Belgium enter as the clear favorites thanks to their superior squad depth, European pedigree, and impressive qualifying campaign. However, Egypt arrive with growing confidence after a remarkable defensive performance during qualification, while Iran have established themselves as one of Asia’s most consistent World Cup participants. New Zealand complete the group as Oceania’s representatives and will be hoping to create a few surprises of their own.
At FootyFeed, our team has analyzed Group G and assessed which nation is most likely to finish first.
Group G Teams
| Team | World Cup Appearances |
|---|---|
| Belgium | 15 |
| Egypt | 4 |
| Iran | 7 |
| New Zealand | 3 |
Why Belgium Are the Favorites
Belgium arrive at World Cup 2026 as the strongest team in Group G.
The Red Devils enjoyed an unbeaten qualification campaign, recording five wins and three draws while scoring an impressive 29 goals and conceding only seven. Their consistency throughout qualifying demonstrated both attacking quality and defensive stability.
Belgium continue to possess a squad filled with players competing at the highest level of European football. Their blend of experience and technical quality gives them a significant advantage over the rest of the group.
Looking at the fixture list, Belgium will expect to start strongly against Egypt before facing Iran and New Zealand in their remaining matches.
Egypt Could Be the Main Challenger
If one nation can challenge Belgium for first place, it is Egypt.
The Pharaohs produced one of the most impressive qualification campaigns of any African nation. Egypt recorded five wins and one draw while conceding zero goals throughout qualification, highlighting the defensive discipline that has become a trademark of the team.
For Egypt, the primary objective will be reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their history. However, if they can earn a positive result against Belgium, the battle for first place could become very interesting.
The experience of key players and their defensive organization make Egypt a dangerous opponent for every team in the group.
Iran Remain Dangerous Outsiders
Iran continue to be one of Asia’s most reliable international teams.
The 2026 tournament marks their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, and they arrive with ambitions of finally progressing beyond the group stage.
Iran’s recent form has been solid, and they will likely view their matches against Egypt and New Zealand as crucial opportunities to collect points.
Their disciplined tactical approach and experience at this level could make them serious contenders for second place.
New Zealand Looking to Make History Again
New Zealand return to the World Cup after successfully navigating the Oceania qualification pathway.
The All Whites will remember their impressive unbeaten group-stage campaign at the 2010 World Cup, where they drew all three matches and exited without losing a game.
However, the challenge in Group G is significant. Belgium, Egypt, and Iran all possess greater experience and squad depth.
New Zealand will likely target the Iran match as their best opportunity to secure a positive result.
The Match That Could Decide Group G
Every World Cup group contains one fixture that could shape the entire qualification race.
For Group G, that match is:
Egypt vs Iran
Scheduled for the final matchday, this encounter could determine which nation joins Belgium in the knockout rounds.
Both teams are closely matched on paper and possess strong defensive foundations. If Belgium secure qualification early, the battle between Egypt and Iran could become one of the most important games of the entire group stage.
Group G Fixtures
Matchday 1
- Belgium vs Egypt
- Iran vs New Zealand
Matchday 2
- Belgium vs Iran
- New Zealand vs Egypt
Matchday 3
- Egypt vs Iran
- New Zealand vs Belgium
Predicted Group G Standings
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Belgium |
| 2 | Egypt |
| 3 | Iran |
| 4 | New Zealand |
Best Bet
✅ Belgium to Win Group G
An unbeaten qualification campaign, 29 goals scored, and the strongest squad in the group make Belgium the safest pick to finish top of Group G.
FootyFeed Prediction
Belgium appear a level above the rest of the group and should have enough quality to secure first place.
The battle for second is expected to be much closer. Egypt’s exceptional defensive record during qualification gives them a slight edge over Iran, while New Zealand may find it difficult to keep pace with the group’s stronger teams.
Final Verdict
Group G features a clear favorite but an intriguing battle for qualification behind them.
Egypt and Iran both possess realistic hopes of reaching the knockout rounds, while New Zealand will look to produce memorable moments on football’s biggest stage.
Nevertheless, Belgium’s experience, depth, and overall quality should allow them to comfortably finish first and advance as Group G winners.
