Group G at the World Cup is now underway, and with just one round of fixtures to play, we could be on the brink of losing one of the highest ranked teams in the world.
Belgium, who are still ranked inside the world's top 10, have drawn both of their matches at the tournament so far, leaving them with a must-win clash against New Zealand on Saturday morning (UK time).
What makes the final set of fixtures in this group so exciting is that all four nations have something still to play for. As such, there is plenty for punters to bet on, so check our guide to the best World Cup betting apps if you're planning on having a flutter.
Which teams are in Group G of the 2026 World Cup?
Belgium
Current FIFA ranking: 10
Belgium's so-called ‘Golden Generation' are now in their silver years, with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku in their mid-30s.
A World Cup semi-final was as far as those players got during their peak, and this Red Devils side isn't among the favourites for glory this summer.
They battled hard against Egypt in their opening match to rescue a draw, but were desperately poor in their second match against Iran.
Manager and tactics
Former Napoli, Roma and Marseille boss Rudi Garcia has been at the Belgian helm since January 2025 and likes to play a fluid, attacking game based on possession.
The Belgians have been a hard watch for the majority of their opening two matches, so a change in system could be on the way ahead of their do or die clash with New Zealand.
Egypt
Current FIFA ranking: 34
Egypt are one of the African superpowers, winning seven AFCON titles, but they've struggled to make an impact at the World Cup, until now.
They were unlucky not to beat Belgium in their first game and were excellent in their 3-1 win over New Zealand in their second.
This is star man Mo Salah's last chance to shine on the biggest stage of all, and he has support up front in the shape of Manchester City's Omar Marmoush.
Manager and tactics
Former Egyptian striker Hossam Hassan is now in charge of the national team and errs on the side of caution.
The Pharaohs focus on defensive solidity, playing a 5-3-2 system, and look to hurt teams on the counterattack.
Egypt have pace out wide and two deadly forwards so few teams will enjoy playing against them.
Iran
Current FIFA ranking: 20
Few teams are under greater scrutiny than Iran at this World Cup due to the ongoing political situation in the Middle East.
Their players are fired up and would have beaten Belgium had it not been for a VAR call.
They lost just one of their 16 qualifiers in Asian qualifying and came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening game before drawing 0-0 with Belgium. They need to beat Egypt to qualify for the knockout stages.
Manager and tactics
Amir Ghalenoei is the man at the helm, and he's trying to steer Iran away from a reliance on defence to a more possession-based game.
The Iranians weren't high scorers in qualifying but they are resolute defensively.
Experienced striker Mehdi Taremi is their key man, having provided 10 goals and seven assists in qualifying.
New Zealand
Current FIFA ranking: 86
New Zealand are playing at just their third World Cup and will be looking to make history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
The All Whites caused plenty of shocks on their last appearance in 2010, drawing all three games and finishing above world champions Italy, but they just missed out on a place in the last 16.
New Zealand breezed through Oceania qualifying, winning all their games, and will be looking for nine-goal striker Chris Wood to lead their charge in North America.
Manager and tactics
Former Watford and Wolves defender Darren Bazeley is in charge and has fostered a strong team spirit within the ranks.
The Kiwis played front-foot attacking football in the qualifiers but he's expected to take a more cautious approach against stronger opposition.
New Zealand have plenty of height in their ranks and could offer a big threat from set-pieces.
2026 World Cup Group G group winners and qualification odds
Group G winner odds
- Egypt (8/15)
- Belgium (9/4)
- Iran (5/1)
Group G qualification odds
- Egypt (1/1000)
- Belgium (1/12)
- Iran (4/6)
- New Zealand (8/1)
2026 World Cup Group G fixtures and odds
Matchday 3
Egypt vs Iran
- Egypt (6/5)
- Iran (13/5)
- Draw (2/1)
New Zealand vs Belgium
- Belgium (3/10)
- New Zealand (15/2)
- Draw (19/4)
Note: All odds above were correct at time of publishing and subject to change
Predicted finishing order
- Egypt
- Belgium
- Iran
- New Zealand
Belgium should get the job done against New Zealand in their final match, but they have probably left it too late to qualify as group winners.
If you do decide to bet on the outcome of Group G, make sure to check out our list of the best World Cup betting apps for the 2026 tournament.
KevinMac is a sports journalist with almost three decades of experience in the industry since starting out in 1997. He has covered games at every level, from Scottish Junior football to English Premier League games and internationals, and has been tipping for the MFT site since 2018.
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