2026 World Cup Group G: New Zealand vs Belgium Preview, Odds and Predictions (June 26)
- When: Friday, June 26, 2026. 11:00 PM ET
- Where: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
- How to Watch: FOX
The 2026 World Cup progresses through the third round of matches with the final matchup in Group G getting underway in Vancouver as New Zealand takes on Belgium. Both squads are fighting for a place in the Round of 32, meaning there will be plenty of pressure on both nations on MD3.
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New Zealand Stats & Team News
New Zealand is in need of a win to advance to the knockout stage, only having one point after two matches. They went through an entertaining 2-2 draw against Iran before falling 3-1 to Egypt in Matchday 2.
Elijah Just and Finn Surman have had the honor of scoring New Zealand’s first World Cup goals since 2010, hoping to keep the momentum going. However, their defense will be put to the test against Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku’s potent attack for Belgium.
Likely Lineup:
(4-2-3-1) Crocombe (GK); Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood
Belgium Stats & Team News
Belgium has been underwhelming throughout the first two matches in group play, drawing 1-1 against Egypt and 0-0 against Iran. Their inability to score goals in this group will play a pivotal role to where they hypothetically go in the next round’s bracket.
Belgium needs a win and other results to go in its favor to top the group. Kevin De Buryne and Romelu Lukaku will look to have active performances in the attack, creating goalscoring opportunities to pave the way for a potential win for Belgium.
Likely Lineup:
(4-2-3-1) Courtois (GK) Meunier, De Winter, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Tielemans; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku.
Head-to-Head Stats
- This is the second all-time meeting between New Zealand and Belgium.
- This marks the second competitive meeting between the nations, first since the 2008 Olympics.
New Zealand vs. Belgium World Cup Picks
This game could be a tossup given Belgium’s woes on the offensive side of the ball. Despite this, the Belgians boast a solid defense with Thibaut Courtois denying shots at goal. New Zealand seeks its best World Cup results in national team history, presenting a great showdown in Group G. It would be safe to believe that both teams come out of the match with a 1-1 draw.
