World Cup Group G Guide, Predictions & Odds

Group G promises to be one of the most interesting at the 2026 World Cup, with sides from four different continents taking part.

All eyes will be on Iran, with FIFA refusing to move their group games from America after they were attacked by the USA and Israel, with the conflict still not settled.

But there's lots of other fascinating subplots, with Belgium expected to battle Egypt for top spot and minnows New Zealand looking to spring some surprises.

There's 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: 8

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 those players got during their peak and this Red Devils side aren't among the favourites for glory this summer.

But they still have plenty of talent in the ranks and went unbeaten during qualifying, winning five of their eight games as they finished two points ahead of Wales.

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 should be a good watch as their qualifying campaign included a 4-3 and 4-2 wins over Wales plus 6-0 drubbings of Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein.

Star man De Bruyne scored six times in qualifying but has plenty of talent around him with the likes of Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard and Charles De Ketalere all a huge threat.

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.

They've only played at two finals since 1934, bowing out in the group stage each time, but have a great chance of making the knockout stages in North America.

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 counter attack.

Egypt have pace out wide and two deadly forwards so few teams will enjoy playing against them.

Iran

Current FIFA ranking: 20

Few teams will be under greater scrutiny than Iran at this World Cup due to the ongoing political situation in the Middle East.

Their players will be fired up for all the games and playing with even more intensity, so Iran could surprise a few people at these finals.

They lost just one of their 16 qualifiers in Asian qualifying and will fancy their chances of reaching 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.

But the Iranians weren't high scorers in qualifying and will probably set up to frustrate when they take on the likes of Belgium and Egypt.

Experienced striker Mehdi Taremi will be a 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 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

• Belgium (1/2)
• Egypt (9/2)
• Iran (13/2)
• New Zealand (25/1)

Group G qualification odds

• Belgium (1/40)
• Egypt (4/11)
• Iran (1/2)
• New Zealand (17/10)

2026 World Cup Group G fixtures and odds

Matchday 1

Belgium vs Egypt

• Belgium (4/6)
• Egypt (4/1)
• Draw (3/1)

Iran vs New Zealand

• Iran (4/5)
• New Zealand (21/5)
• Draw (3/1)

Matchday 2

Belgium vs Iran

• Belgium (21/50)
• Iran (7/1)
• Draw (7/2)

New Zealand vs Egypt

• Egypt (8/11)
• New Zealand (17/4)
• Draw (13/5)

Matchday 3

Egypt vs Iran

• Belgium (TBC)
• Iran (TBC)
• Draw (TBC)

New Zealand vs Belgium

• Egypt (TBC)
• New Zealand (TBC)
• Draw (TBC)

Note: All odds above were correct at time of publishing and subject to change

Predicted finishing order

• Belgium
• Iran
• Egypt
• New Zealand

Belgium are heavy favourites but every match in this section so be pretty fiercely contested. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a few draws in Group G, especially with Iran and Egypt so strong in defence.

That means the group could end up being decided by goal difference and I'd imagine three teams may have enough points to proceed to the knockout stages.

World Cup 2022 Coverage

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