News Summary
Prepared after comprehensive review.
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G comprises Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand.
- The group is seen as a test of experience, strategy, and mental resilience.
- Belgium’s coach, Rudy Garcia, is employing an aggressive playing style aiming to secure the title.
June 6, Kathmandu – In FIFA World Cup 2026, Group G consists of Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. This group is viewed as a test of experience, tactical acumen, and mental strength.
Bringing together teams from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania with distinct styles of play, the competition within this group promises to be particularly engaging.
Although Belgium is the clear favorite, Egypt led by Mohamed Salah, consistently disciplined and tough competitor Iran, and New Zealand making a return to the World Cup after a long break, keep the group open and competitive.
Belgium is expected to hold the top spot, but the fight for second place is predicted to remain intense until the final matches.
Belgium
Over the last decade, Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ raised hopes of winning the World Cup but failed to lift the trophy. As of 2026, Belgium is entering a new transitional phase.
Veteran players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are participating in their final World Cup, while young stars like Jeremy Doku, Loïs Openda, and Charles De Ketelaere infuse new energy into the squad.
Coach Rudy Garcia is shifting smoothly between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations, adopting an aggressive, high-press style. Unlike previous tournaments where Belgium was often seen as an underdog, this time they are striving for a markedly different approach.
Best Result – Third Place (2018), Last Participation – 2022
Egypt
Egypt returns to the World Cup for the fourth time in history and for the first time since 2018. For coach Hossam Hassan, this represents a special journey, as he is the first Egyptian to qualify the team for the World Cup both as a player and a coach.
Egypt demonstrated their strength during qualifiers by remaining undefeated in 10 matches and conceding only two goals. The team’s structure is founded on defensive discipline, utilizing Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush on counterattacks.
If their attack finds rhythm, Egypt could be the group’s biggest upset team.
Best Result – Group Stage (1934, 1990, 2018), Last Participation – 2018
Iran
Iran will be making its fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and is regarded as one of Asia’s most consistent teams. Under coach Amir Ghalenoei, Iran lost only one of 16 qualifying matches, demonstrating remarkable consistency.
Mehdi Taremi is the team’s leading scorer and central figure in attack. However, the absence of Sardar Azmoun puts additional pressure on the offense. Iran’s playing style is entirely result-oriented.
With defensive discipline, a strong midfield, and swift counterattacks as their main strengths, Iran is not easy to defeat even in tough matches despite limited creativity.
Best Result – Group Stage, Last Participation – 2022
New Zealand
The ‘All Whites,’ New Zealand, return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. Dominating Oceania qualifiers by winning all five games and conceding just one goal, they showed strong form.
Coach Darren Bazeley’s squad relies on physical strength, organization, and the individual talents of captain Chris Wood. Their greatest achievement in World Cup history was remaining undefeated with three draws in 2010.
This time, New Zealand’s strategy will again focus on defensive blocks and direct attacks. While often considered the underdogs, playing without pressure makes them potentially dangerous opponents.
Best Result – Group Stage (1982, 2010), Last Participation – 2010
