Group G in the 2026 FIFA World Cup features Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand, with matches scheduled to begin on June 15, as part of the tournament’s expanded 48-team format. Across the previews, Belgium is widely regarded as the strongest side in the group, though multiple outlets note the team is not at its former peak. The group’s outlook is shaped by Egypt and Iran’s hopes of reaching the last 32, with Egypt’s Mo Salah highlighted as a key player and a potential difference-maker.
Iran is included in the group despite the broader context of conflict involving the United States, which some outlets describe as an unusual backdrop for World Cup participation. New Zealand remains in contention, though it is generally viewed as the underdog relative to Belgium, Egypt and Iran.
As the group stage progresses, at least one report describes Egypt as being in a strong position at the closing stages, while Iran, Belgium and New Zealand can still qualify, depending on results.
