Competition in Group G at the 2026 World Cup figures to be a battle for second place between Egypt and Iran. Those clubs are the closest in terms of results and talent, a good way behind favorite Belgium and a few steps ahead of underdog New Zealand. Most pundits considered Belgium’s group stage exit in the 2022 World Cup the end of what was called the “Golden Generation” that peaked with a third place finish in the 2018 World Cup. Belgium has regrouped with a mix of young talent and experienced stars.
With Belgium the clear frontrunner to lead the group and New Zealand returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, the battle for the second slot to the knockout phase is clearly between Egypt and Iran. Egypt displayed disciplined defense during qualifying conceding just two goals and possesses a lethal attack led by Mohamed Salah.
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Odds to win Group G
Belgium -280
Egypt +470
Iran +650
New Zealand +2500
The “Golden Generation” of Belgium football failed to deliver a World Cup title and despite being ranked No. 1 for years, the group was unsuccessful at winning any major tournament. The current squad doesn’t have a catchy name and its title odds are longer than in previous World Cups, but several holdovers and exciting young players gives Belgium the edge. Egypt had a stellar qualifying campaign yielding two goals across 10 undefeated matches and is in a good spot to win its first ever World Cup match, though winning the Group is considered a reach.
Odds for Group G teams to win World Cup
Belgium +4500
Egypt +40000
Iran +50000
New Zealand +155000
Belgium is clearly the class of the group based on early World Cup betting odds. They are positioned around the 10th or 11th most likely team to win the trophy. The transformation away from the “Golden Generation” has affected them slightly though Belgium is still considered an elite contender compared to their group counterparts. Egypt, Iran and New Zealand all rank in the bottom half of the title odds and are looking to prove their inclusion in the tournament rather than winning it.
Group G Team Previews
Belgium -280
Free of the label that hung like an anvil around their necks, Belgium is still one of the most dynamic teams in soccer. A few holdovers remain from the golden years with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelo Lukaku likely playing their last World Cup. The development of young starts Jeremy Doku, Lois Openda and Charles De Ketelaere keep the Belgians on track. One drawback is the youth and inexperience of the backline making the team less reliable under pressure.
Group Match Schedule:
June 15: vs. Egypt, 3 p.m. ET, Seattle, US
June 21: vs. Iran, 3 p.m. ET, Inglewood, US
June 26: vs. New Zealand, 11 p.m. ET, Vancouver, CN
Egypt +470
Egypt showed its blueprint for success in qualifying matches going unbeaten in 10 matches while conceding only two goals. The defensive structured is disciplined, though the team has put less emphasis on the attack. The Egyptians can win matches if it scores first, but that’s not always an option. They lacked a sustained attack in qualifying and rely on Mohamed Saleh and Omar Marmoush for offense. Saleh scored nine qualifying goals and is a dangerous forward.
Group Match Schedule:
June 15: vs. Belgium, 3 p.m. ET, Seattle, US
June 21: vs. New Zealand, 9 p.m. ET, Vancouver, CN
June 26: vs. Iran, 11 p.m. ET, Seattle, US
Iran +650
Despite what’s taking place in their country Iran wanted to compete in the 2026 World Cup because they have a legitimate chance of reaching the knockout stage. They are one of Asia’s most experienced qualifiers making their fourth straight World Cup following an impressive qualifying schedule with only one loss in 16 Asian Football Confederation matches. Iran is experienced but have yet to reach the knockout stage. Mehdi Taremi is the primary goal scoring threat.
Group Match Schedule:
June 15: vs. New Zealand, 9 p.m. ET, Inglewood, US
June 21: vs. Belgium, 3 p.m. ET, Inglewood, US
June 26: vs. Egypt, 11 p.m. ET, Seattle, US
New Zealand +2500
Considered a long shot could be the motivation New Zealand needs to succeed. The club is back in the World Cup for the first time since 2010 backed by a dominant run in qualifying. They won all five OFC qualifying matches beating Fiji 7-0 in the semifinals and New Caledonia 3-0 in the final. They also allowed one goal across the entire campaign. Chris Wood is the team’s most productive attacker and the key to the offense. The competition is much stiffer in Group G, though.
Group Match Schedule:
June 15: vs. Iran, 9 p.m. ET, Inglewood, US
June 21: vs. Egypt, 9 p.m. ET, Vancouver, CN
June 26: vs. Belgium, 11 p.m. ET, Vancouver, CN
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