Which teams are in Group G at the World Cup 2026?

Group G contains Belgium, Egypt, IR Iran, New Zealand. Each team plays the other three once during the group stage.

How does Group G qualification work?

The top two finishers in Group G qualify automatically for the round of 32. The eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups also advance.

When are the Group G matches played?

All 6 Group G fixtures are listed below with date, kickoff time and host stadium across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

What are the points rules for Group G?

Standard FIFA scoring applies: 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss. Tiebreakers: points, goal difference, goals scored, then head-to-head.

All teams & groups

FIFA World Cup 2026

Group G

Belgium's last dance with three resilient outsiders

Group G features what is probably the last World Cup of Belgium's golden generation, with three sides that all play organised, compact football. Egypt return on the back of Mohamed Salah's late-career swansong, Iran arrive as Asia's most physically intimidating team, and New Zealand make a third World Cup appearance.

Who advances

Belgium are favourites. Egypt are second favourites; Iran will likely be in the best-third conversation.

Tactical clash

Belgium's 4-2-3-1 versus three packed mid-blocks — the entire group will revolve around who can break low defences. Set-piece quality could decide qualification.

Market view

Belgium are around 1.55 to top the group. Egypt and Iran are roughly even-money for second.

Team-by-team Group G breakdown

Belgium

Storyline. Probable final tournament for Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku at peak level. Belgium need to convert what is still a top-10 squad into a deep run.

Key player. Kevin De Bruyne — even at 35, the most creative midfielder of the cycle and the metronome of everything Belgium produce.

Prediction. Group winner is the floor; quarter-final the realistic ceiling.

Egypt

Storyline. Mohamed Salah's likely final World Cup. The 2024 AFCON runners-up have built a more balanced side around him this cycle.

Key player. Mohamed Salah — still one of the most decisive forwards in world football and the talisman the entire squad orbits.

Prediction. Second place is the median; a Round-of-16 win is realistic.

IR Iran

Storyline. Seventh World Cup appearance. The most physically imposing Asian side at the tournament, with a Bundesliga and Eredivisie-fluent attacking corps.

Key player. Mehdi Taremi — the Inter Milan forward is the most clinical Iranian striker since Ali Daei.

Prediction. Third place is the median; a best-third spot is in play with a result against Egypt.

New Zealand

Storyline. Third men's World Cup ever — the All Whites bring physicality, set-piece prowess and an under-the-radar attacking line.

Key player. Chris Wood — the Nottingham Forest forward had a 20-goal Premier League season and remains the talisman.

Prediction. Bottom of the group is the median expectation — a draw against Iran is the realistic ceiling.

Group G standings & points table

Live World Cup 2026 Group G table — wins, draws, losses, goals for and against, goal difference and points. Updated by the Cup26 editorial team after every match. FIFA scoring: 3 pts for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss.