The Teams
Group G Fixtures
Matchday 1
Matchday 2
Matchday 3 (both matches kick off simultaneously)
Group G Preview & Predictions
The Contenders
Belgium's golden generation has passed, but the new Belgian side is leaner, faster, and built on Bundesliga and Serie A starters. Lois Openda and Charles De Ketelaere form a modern attacking partnership that may be better suited to a World Cup's knockout demands than the possession-heavy approach of 2018. Egypt arrive with Mohamed Salah at what may be his final World Cup, and for the first time in his career the squad around him matches his quality. Omar Marmoush's explosive Premier League emergence gives Egypt a second dimension that transforms them from a one-player team into a genuine Group G threat.
The Wild Cards
Iran are the group's third force, with Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun providing attacking quality that complicates any opponent's defensive planning. They have the experience and the firepower to take points off either of the seeded sides on the right night. New Zealand's All Whites bring Oceanian soccer's competitive spirit and defensive organization, and while they are the longest shot in the group, they will make every minute uncomfortable for opponents who underestimate them.
The Key Match
Belgium vs Egypt is the decisive fixture, and a Salah performance at club level can flip the entire group.
Prediction
- Belgium win Group G.
- Egypt advance as runners-up.
- Iran compete strongly for a third-place berth.
Make your Group G picks. Free to play.
Join thousands predicting every World Cup 2026 match. Build your bracket, invite friends, track results.
Build My Bracket →Group G FAQ
- Who is in Group G at the 2026 World Cup?
- Group G contains Belgium (FIFA #8), Iran (FIFA #21), Egypt (FIFA #35), and New Zealand (FIFA #86). Group G kicks off on Mon, June 15, 2026.
- When does Group G play at World Cup 2026?
- Group G matches run from Mon, June 15, 2026 (Matchday 1) through Sat, June 27, 2026 (Matchday 3). There are six matches in total, two per matchday. Both Matchday 3 matches in each group kick off simultaneously to ensure fairness.
- Where are the Group G matches played at World Cup 2026?
- Group G matches are played at the following venues: Lumen · Seattle, SoFi · LA, BC Place · Vancouver. All venues are part of FIFA World Cup 2026's 16-city, tri-nation host setup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Who is the favorite to win Group G at World Cup 2026?
- Belgium (FIFA #8) are the favorites to win Group G. The group is nicknamed "The Egyptian King's Stage" by analysts.
- How do teams qualify from the group stage at World Cup 2026?
- The top two teams from each of the 12 groups automatically advance to the Round of 32. The eight best third-place finishers across all 12 groups also advance, making it possible for a team finishing third to still progress. Teams are ranked by points (3 for a win, 1 for a draw), then goal difference, then goals scored.
- Is Mohamed Salah playing at World Cup 2026?
- Yes. Mohamed Salah is in Egypt's squad for FIFA World Cup 2026. Egypt are in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand. Salah, one of the greatest players of his generation, is widely regarded as Egypt's best player and their primary hope for advancing from the group stage.