Belgium head Group G as clear favourites, but Egypt, Iran and New Zealand all have something to say. Here is your full guide to the 48-team format group.
Group G blends one of Europe's most talented squads with two seasoned continental heavyweights and a spirited debutant-mentality side. Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand make up a section where the second qualifying spot is genuinely up for grabs. With the World Cup 2026 group stage already underway, here is your complete guide. Track every result on our live scores page and check the live group standings as the table takes shape.
Favourites and Dark Horses
Belgium are the clear favourites. Even in transition after their golden generation, the Red Devils carry elite individual quality and depth that no one else in the group can match. Egypt are the natural challengers for second, with Iran the experienced dark horse capable of grinding out the results that knockout qualification demands.
Team-by-Team Breakdown
Belgium
Belgium remain dangerous through Kevin De Bruyne's vision and Jeremy Doku's electric wing play, with Romelu Lukaku leading the line. Their strength is attacking creativity and squad experience; the question mark is a defence that has looked vulnerable in recent cycles. If they balance those phases, they should win the group comfortably.
Egypt
Everything flows through Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool talisman gives Egypt a world-class out-ball and a constant goal threat, and the Pharaohs are well-organised and tournament-tough. Their challenge is sharing the scoring burden beyond Salah, but as African qualifying showed, they are a hard side to beat.
Iran
Iran are disciplined, physical and superbly drilled. Mehdi Taremi provides the cutting edge up front, while a compact defensive block makes them awkward opponents for anyone. Asia's perennial qualifiers rarely lose by big margins, which keeps their goal difference healthy in a tight group.
New Zealand
The All Whites are the outsiders but should not be dismissed. Chris Wood remains a reliable focal point, and New Zealand's organisation and set-piece threat can frustrate bigger names. Realistically they are chasing a famous result rather than qualification, but in the 48-team format even a third-place finish carries hope.
Who Advances and the Best-Third-Place Picture
The top two in each of the 12 groups advance automatically, joined by the eight best third-placed teams, into the new Round of 32. That format is a lifeline here: a third-placed Egypt or Iran on four points could still progress. Belgium should top the group, with Egypt edging Iran for the runners-up spot. Iran's defensive resilience may yet be enough to sneak in among the best thirds. Browse all 48 teams to compare squads across the tournament.
Key Fixtures to Watch
- Egypt vs Iran — likely the decisive match for second place, pitting Salah against Iran's organised block.
- Belgium vs Egypt — a measure of how far Egypt can push the group favourites.
- Iran vs New Zealand — a potential six-pointer in the race for a best-third spot.
See kick-off times for every game on our full match schedule.
Predicted Finishing Order
- 1. Belgium — superior quality should tell.
- 2. Egypt — Salah carries them through.
- 3. Iran — in the best-third mix.
- 4. New Zealand — competitive but short on firepower.
FAQ
Who are the favourites to win Group G?
Belgium are the clear favourites thanks to their attacking depth and tournament experience, though Egypt are well-placed to finish second.
Can a third-placed team still qualify from Group G?
Yes. In the 48-team 2026 format, the eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups advance to the Round of 32, so a strong third-place finish can be enough.
Who is Egypt's key player?
Mohamed Salah is Egypt's talisman, providing both elite creativity and a constant goal threat that defines how the Pharaohs play.