FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G Preview: Iran and Egypt offer stern test to new-look Belgium
Belgium may begin Group G as favorites, but this is far from a comfortable draw for the Red Devils. Egypt and Iran both arrive with enough quality and experience to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds, while New Zealand will look to frustrate opponents with their organization and defensive discipline.
Belgium: Moving on from the golden generation
For years, Belgium’s so-called golden generation was expected to deliver a major international trophy. It never happened.
A third-place finish in 2018 remains the high point, while a disappointing group-stage exit in Qatar four years later marked the end of an era. Now, a younger Belgian side heads into the World Cup carrying far less pressure but facing a different challenge altogether: navigating a period of transition.
Rudi Garcia has inherited a squad that still contains a blend of youth and experience. Jeremy Doku’s direct running and flair can unsettle any defense, while Leandro Trossard brings creativity and versatility in the final third. The old guard has not disappeared either. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku remain hugely influential figures whose experience could prove invaluable in tournament football.
The talent is there, but consistency remains the big question. Belgium should qualify from the group, though this new-look side is still searching for its identity.
Player to watch: Kevin De Bruyne
Even in the twilight years of his career, De Bruyne remains one of the finest midfielders in world football. Few players can dictate a game’s rhythm quite like him. His passing range, vision, and composure under pressure make him the player Belgium will turn to when matches become tense and difficult.
Iran: Can Team Melli emerge from the chaos?
Few teams arrive at the World Cup carrying as much off-field baggage as Iran. Team Melli’s build-up has been dominated by political headlines, international tensions, and even speculation over whether they would participate in the tournament at all.
How the players respond to that backdrop could define their campaign. It could become an unwanted distraction, or it could unite the squad and provide extra motivation.
On the pitch, Amir Ghalenoei’s side remains what it has often been: physical, disciplined, and difficult to break down. Iran are comfortable without possession and rarely make life easy for opponents. The challenge is that they may need to show greater attacking ambition against Egypt and New Zealand if they are to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
Creativity will come from players such as Saman Ghoddos and Alireza Jahanbakhsh, while much of the attacking responsibility falls on Mehdi Taremi following the absence of longtime strike partner Sardar Azmoun.
Player to watch: Mehdi Taremi
Taremi remains the focal point of Iran’s attack. His movement, hold-up play, and finishing ability are perfectly suited to the direct style Team Melli often employs. In a group where matches could be decided by a single goal, his experience and instinct in front of goal may prove invaluable.
Egypt: Mohamed Salah’s chance for a crowning moment
Egypt’s football history is rich, but their World Cup record tells a different story. Remarkably, the Pharaohs have never won a match at the tournament despite producing some of Africa’s greatest players.
There is hope that could change in 2026. Hossam Hassan has built a side that plays with purpose and looks to attack quickly whenever opportunities arise. Egypt’s greatest strength is obvious: their front line.
Mohamed Salah remains the headline act, but he is no longer carrying the burden alone. Omar Marmoush has shown the ability to consistently put the ball in the back of the net, while Mahmoud Trezeguet continues to provide energy and goals from wide areas.
The concern lies at the other end of the pitch. Egypt can be vulnerable when opponents break quickly, and tighter defensive organization may be required if they are to progress.
Player to watch: Mohamed Salah
Even after an underwhelming campaign by his own lofty standards, Salah remains Egypt’s most dangerous player. Having experienced a decent personal 2018 World Cup, the Liverpool legend now enters the tournament with the benefit of experience and the responsibility of leading a talented generation. If Egypt are to make history, Salah will almost certainly be at the heart of it.
New Zealand: An uphill task for the All Whites
The All Whites return to the World Cup with memories of their remarkable 2010 campaign, where they went unbeaten in the group stage but still failed to reach the knockout rounds.
This time, the challenge looks even tougher. The quality of opposition in Group G is significantly higher than anything New Zealand faced during qualification, and every point will need to be earned the hard way.
Head coach Darren Bazeley understands the reality facing his side. Expect New Zealand to remain compact, defend in numbers, and look for opportunities on the counterattack. While their defensive options are capable of making life difficult for opponents, the midfield may struggle against the technical quality of Belgium, Egypt, and Iran.
Veterans Chris Wood and Tommy Smith bring valuable experience, but New Zealand’s margin for error is slim.
Player to watch: Chris Wood
New Zealand’s all-time leading scorer with 45 goals in 88 appearances, Wood remains the nation’s biggest attacking threat. The Nottingham Forest striker brings years of Premier League experience and an ability to convert half-chances into goals. If New Zealand are to spring a surprise, they will need Wood at his clinical best.
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