Belgium headlines a fascinating Group G that also features Egypt, Iran and New Zealand, with several nations chasing historic milestones at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Group G combines European pedigree, African ambition, Asian consistency and Oceanian determination. Belgium enters the tournament hoping to capitalize on what could be the final World Cup for several members of its golden generation, while Egypt arrives inspired by the brilliance of Mohamed Salah and dreams of reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
Iran continues its quest to break through the group stage barrier after decades of near misses, while New Zealand returns to the World Cup eager to recreate the resilience that made headlines in South Africa 2010.
The group opens on June 15 in Seattle with a marquee clash between Belgium and Egypt, a match that could immediately shape the race for first place.
Group G Teams
Group G Overview
| Team | Confederation | Head Coach | Best World Cup Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | UEFA | Rudi Garcia | Third Place (2018) |
| Egypt | CAF | Hossam Hassan | Group Stage |
| Iran | AFC | Amir Ghalenoei | Group Stage |
| New Zealand | OFC | Darren Bazeley | Group Stage |
Belgium: One More Shot at Glory
Belgium enters its 15th FIFA World Cup seeking to improve on the historic third-place finish achieved in Russia 2018.
Under former Napoli and Roma manager Rudi Garcia, the Red Devils cruised through qualifying, finishing unbeaten and showcasing the depth of a squad transitioning from one generation to the next.
While many of the stars who defined Belgium’s golden era are nearing the latter stages of their international careers, exciting talents such as Jérémy Doku continue to inject energy and unpredictability into the team.
The expectation remains clear: anything less than a knockout-stage appearance would be considered a disappointment.
Key Objective
Win the group and position themselves for a favorable knockout path.
Egypt: Salah Leads a Nation’s Dream
Egypt returns to the World Cup determined to finally secure its first victory in the competition.
The Pharaohs dominated their CAF qualifying group, finishing unbeaten with eight wins and two draws. Much of their success revolved around captain Mohamed Salah, who scored nine goals during qualifying and remains the face of Egyptian football.
Supported by experienced players such as Omar Marmoush, Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” and Mohamed El Shenawy, Egypt arguably possesses one of its strongest squads in decades.
For Hossam Hassan, both head coach and Egyptian football legend, the mission is clear: guide the nation beyond the group stage for the first time.
Key Objective
Reach the knockout rounds and secure Egypt’s first-ever World Cup victory.
Iran: Chasing a Historic Breakthrough
Iran has become one of Asia’s most consistent World Cup participants, yet one achievement continues to elude Team Melli: qualification for the knockout stage.
The Iranians have earned memorable victories over nations such as the United States, Wales and Morocco in previous tournaments but have never managed to advance beyond the group phase.
Led by experienced striker Mehdi Taremi and coach Amir Ghalenoei, Iran arrives in North America believing this could finally be the year history is made.
Key Objective
Advance beyond the group stage for the first time.
New Zealand: Oceania’s Lone Representative
As the only Oceania Football Confederation representative at the tournament, New Zealand carries the hopes of an entire region.
The All Whites secured direct qualification after defeating Fiji and New Caledonia and arrive at their third World Cup appearance with growing confidence.
Much of the spotlight will fall on veteran striker Chris Wood, who continues to be one of the most prolific players in the nation’s history. New Zealand may be considered the underdog of the group, but memories of their unbeaten 2010 World Cup campaign remain a source of inspiration.
Key Objective
Earn a historic first World Cup victory.
Players to Watch
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
The midfield maestro remains capable of controlling games at the highest level.
Jérémy Doku (Belgium)
Explosive, fearless and one of Europe’s most exciting wingers.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
The superstar captain and one of the greatest African footballers of all time.
Omar Marmoush (Egypt)
A dynamic forward capable of forming a devastating partnership with Salah.
Mehdi Taremi (Iran)
Iran’s most dangerous attacking weapon and a proven goal scorer.
Chris Wood (New Zealand)
The experienced striker remains New Zealand’s biggest threat in front of goal.
Key Storylines
- Can Belgium finally turn talent into a deep World Cup run?
- Will Mohamed Salah lead Egypt to its first-ever World Cup knockout stage?
- Can Iran break its long-standing group-stage curse?
- Will New Zealand recreate the resilience that made headlines in 2010?
Group G Prediction
Belgium possesses the deepest squad and enters as the favorite to top the group. The battle for second place, however, should be extremely competitive.
Egypt appears slightly ahead thanks to the quality of Salah and Marmoush, but Iran’s tactical discipline and tournament experience make them a serious contender. New Zealand will likely embrace the underdog role and attempt to frustrate more fancied opponents.
Predicted Final Standings
- Belgium
- Egypt
- Iran
- New Zealand
Dark Horse
Iran
Player Most Likely to Shine
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
The Liverpool legend enters the tournament with the opportunity to cement his place among the greatest African players in World Cup history.
Group G Facts & Statistics
- Mohamed Salah needs just a few more international goals to move level with Egyptian legend and current head coach Hossam Hassan atop the national team’s all-time scoring list.
- Belgium’s best World Cup finish came in 2018, when the Red Devils defeated England to claim third place.
- Iran has never reached the knockout stage despite seven World Cup appearances.
- New Zealand remains the only unbeaten team from the 2010 World Cup, drawing all three group matches, including a famous result against reigning champions Italy.
- Chris Wood could become New Zealand’s all-time World Cup appearance leader during the tournament.
Possible Round of 32 Scenarios
- The winner of Group G will face a third-placed team from Groups A, E, H, I or J in Seattle.
- The runner-up will meet the second-placed team from Group D in Dallas.
- A third-place finisher could still advance and potentially face the winner of Group I in New York/New Jersey or the winner of Group B in Vancouver.
With Belgium seeking redemption, Egypt chasing history, Iran pursuing a breakthrough and New Zealand carrying Oceania’s hopes, Group G promises compelling storylines from the opening matchday to the final whistle.
