Group G is Mohamed Salah’s group. Belgium enter as clear favourites with Courtois, De Bruyne, and Lukaku. But Egypt with a fit and firing Salah could push them all the way. Iran are Asia’s most experienced World Cup nation. New Zealand are the lowest-ranked team in the tournament. This group looks straightforward on paper but the Belgium vs Egypt fixture is one of the most unpredictable in the entire draw.
The Teams
Belgium
Belgium are rated 83.3 by Opta and are expected to qualify from Group G. Thibaut Courtois in goal, Kevin De Bruyne creating, Romelu Lukaku providing the physical striker presence. The golden generation’s twilight, less pressure, more freedom. Group G is their most favourable assignment in years and a quarter-final is the realistic target.
Egypt
The team built around Mohamed Salah. Egypt is undoubtedly headlined by Salah. However, the Pharaohs will be alarmed at his staggering drop in form in 2025-26 ahead of a huge tournament. If Salah recovers his best form for the World Cup, Egypt can beat Belgium and advance. If he is still below his best, Belgium qualify comfortably. Everything about Egypt’s group stage depends on one man.
Iran
Asia’s most experienced World Cup nation. Iran has hovered around the top 20 in FIFA rankings and went on a fine run of form in 2024, losing just once in 14 fixtures. Their disciplined defensive system and physical approach can make any group stage game uncomfortable. A draw against Belgium would open the group entirely.
New Zealand
New Zealand are the lowest-ranked team in the tournament at 85th. Chris Wood provides physical presence up front. Their target is competitive performances and at least one goal to take home. Group G is an extremely challenging assignment for the OFC representatives.
Match Predictions
Matchday 1
Belgium vs Egypt — Belgium 2-1 Egypt. Egypt go ahead through Salah — his first goal in months — and momentarily stun Belgium. But De Bruyne and Lukaku are too much at full strength. Belgium recover and win with two second-half goals. Salah’s goal is the moment Egypt needed. If he carries this form through the group, everything changes.
Iran vs New Zealand — Iran 2-0 New Zealand. Iran’s experience and physical presence is too much for New Zealand. The All Whites defend bravely but Chris Wood is isolated and unable to create anything alone. Iran take three crucial points.
Matchday 2
Belgium vs Iran — Belgium 1-0 Iran. Iran defend deep and make Belgium work for the entire 90 minutes. De Bruyne finally finds the breakthrough late with a brilliant free kick. Belgium confirm qualification with a game to spare. Iran leave having made Belgium uncomfortable throughout.
Egypt vs New Zealand — Egypt 3-0 New Zealand. Salah produces his best performance of the tournament. He scores two and assists one. New Zealand are overwhelmed by Egypt’s quality when Salah is at his best. Egypt confirm second place contention.
Matchday 3
Belgium vs New Zealand — Belgium 4-0 New Zealand. Belgium rotate with qualification confirmed. Doku and Trossard start. New Zealand’s World Cup ends with a heavy defeat but their presence at the tournament is a historic milestone for Pacific football. Every neutral is behind them.
Egypt vs Iran — Egypt 1-0 Iran. Egypt confirm second place. A single Salah goal from the penalty spot decides a tight, physical match. Iran exit having fought hard throughout. Egypt advance with momentum and a Salah who looks like he has found his best form at exactly the right time.
Predicted Final Standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 9 |
| Egypt | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 6 |
| Iran | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
| New Zealand | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 | -6 | 0 |
Who Advances
Belgium advance as group winners, Courtois keeping three clean sheets to put himself firmly in the Golden Glove conversation. Egypt advance in second place, Salah having rediscovered his best form at precisely the right moment. Iran exit with a win over New Zealand but unable to overcome the quality of Belgium and Egypt. New Zealand go home as proud participants at their first properly qualified World Cup.
The Key Match
Belgium vs Egypt on Matchday 1 is the group’s most significant game. If Salah scores and Egypt win, this group becomes completely open. If Belgium win comfortably, the group plays out as expected. One result, one Salah performance determines whether this is a predictable group or one of the tournament’s great storylines.
Sources: Opta Analyst, Bleacher Report, beIN Sports
