Group G Breakdown – 2026 World Cup
- Jorge "Jumpy" Martinez
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, we take a look at the 12 groups. Today we take a look at Group G.
The tournament which takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be the first FIFA World Cup to include 48 teams, expanding from the previous total of 32.
Group G Breakdown – 2026 FIFA World Cup
Group G is one of those groups that could look straightforward on paper… but once the games start, it could get messy fast.
You have a European powerhouse, a dangerous African side, a super organized Asian team, and a scrappy underdog. That mix usually leads to surprises.
Who’s in Group G?
Belgium
Egypt
Iran
New Zealand
It’s a really interesting mix of styles—and honestly, second place in this group is wide open.
Belgium – Last Chance for a Generation
Belgium comes in as the clear favorite.
They finished 3rd in 2018 and have been one of the most talented teams in the world for years, but they never won it all.
Now, this feels like the end of that era. Guys like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are still around, but it’s kind of a transition team.
They still have quality—probably enough to win the group—but the pressure is real. If they slip, things could get interesting fast.
Egypt – Salah and the Attack
Egypt is all about one word: Salah.
Led by Mohamed Salah, they’ve got serious attacking threat and scored consistently in qualifying.
They’re not just a one-man team, though. They’re organized, disciplined, and dangerous on the counter.
They’re probably the biggest challenger to Belgium—and could even push for first if things break their way.
Iran – Tough, Defensive, Annoying (in a good way)
Iran is the type of team nobody wants to play.
They have been to multiple World Cups in a row and are known for being super organized and hard to break down.
They don’t need to dominate games—they just make things ugly, stay compact, and try to capitalize on mistakes.
In a tight group, that style can definitely get results.
New Zealand – The Underdog Vibe
New Zealand is back at the World Cup after a long absence, and they come in as the clear underdog.
But here’s the thing—they have nothing to lose.
They have pulled off surprises before (think 2010 vibes), and if teams underestimate them, they could sneak a result or two.
Games to Watch
Belgium vs Egypt – Massive opening game, might decide first place
Egypt vs Iran – Could decide who gets second
Belgium vs Iran – If Belgium slips here, the group gets wild
Final matchday could be huge, with qualification coming down to the last games.
Quick Prediction
Here’s a solid prediction:
1. Belgium
Egypt
Iran
New Zealand
Iran is definitely capable of stealing second, though—this one’s closer than it looks.
Final Thoughts
Group G is all about contrast.
Belgium brings the talent, Egypt brings the attack, Iran brings the discipline, and New Zealand brings the underdog energy.
It may not be the flashiest group, but it’s got all the ingredients for drama—especially in the race for that second spot.
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