The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at Group G of FIFA World Cup 2026, where Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand collide.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup opens a new chapter in football’s global story: 48 teams, expanded possibilities, and more room for surprises. As hosts Canada, the United States and Mexico prepare to stage a tournament of scale and intensity unlike any before, every group takes on added significance. The expanded format rewards depth and consistency, and it also hands underdogs a clearer path to make noise.
Group G is an instructive slice of the modern game. It pairs a technically-adept European giant, a North African giant centred on its talisman, an experienced Asian side accustomed to gritty qualification campaigns, and an Oceania outfit that has rediscovered belief. Between them Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand offer contrasting routes to the finals, different tactical identities and a mixture of established stars and emerging threats.
This preview takes stock of how each nation reached this point, the managerial fingerprints shaping their preparations, the individuals most likely to swing games, and, finally, a prediction on who will progress to the round of 32 of FIFA World Cup 2026. The order of games and the short margins of a three-match group stage mean preparation, squad selection and small margins of fitness matter more than ever.
Belgium’s road through UEFA qualifying was a statement of control. The Red Devils finished atop their group undefeated, accumulating 18 points with five wins and three draws. Their attack produced 29 goals while the defence conceded only seven; the raw numbers underline a side that combined efficiency with attacking fluency.
Yet, the campaign was not without reminders of fragility; moments such as the near-collapse against Wales, where a 3-0 lead was nearly lost before Kevin De Bruyne’s late intervention, showed Belgium can be pressed and ruffled.
Belgium arrive as a side in transition. The pressure that weighed on the “Golden Generation” has eased, giving space for a new core to become the team’s heartbeat. The coaching approach has leaned towards a structured 4-2-3-1 that protects midfield while allowing a creative hub in the No.10 zone. Rudi Garcia’s task has been balancing Kevin De Bruyne’s creative pull with defensive stability and ensuring the team replaces older leaders without losing cohesion.
Belgium possess the technical and individual quality to top Group G. So long as Kevin De Bruyne can contribute meaningful minutes and the squad avoids injury disruption, the Red Devils should control possession, create superior chances and collect the points expected of them here.
Egypt’s qualification was clinical. They dominated CAF Group A, finishing with 26 points from ten matches (W8 D2), scoring 20 goals and conceding only two. That defensive record, combined with sustained attacking output, made their passage one of the more comprehensive in African qualifying. Mohamed Salah’s nine goals were pivotal, and he carried the scoring burden consistently and turned key games in his team’s favour.
Hossam Hassan’s arrival midway through the qualifiers reshaped Egypt’s balance. The 59-year-old found a blend of tactical discipline and attacking freedom that produced seven clean sheets and allowed Egypt to rotate between a compact, controlled 4-3-3 and a more expansive 4-2-3-1 when chasing matches. Against high blocks, Hassan has shown willingness to alter shape to 3-5-2, seeking overloads in midfield and more direct threats up front.
Egypt’s defensive solidity and Mohamed Salah’s finishing tilt the balance in their favour for second place. They possess the organisation to frustrate opponents and the attacking players to punish mistakes. Expect Egypt to finish second in Group G and progress to the round of 32.
Iran again qualified as Asia’s consistent contender, securing an automatic berth from AFC third-round Group A. They accumulated 23 points, two clear of Uzbekistan, with a campaign punctuated by character: a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Azadi Stadium sealed their spot. Iran blended home-grown league talent with European-based professionals to produce steady, often resolute results.
Stability has been Iran’s hallmark. Amir Ghalenoei prioritised defensive structure, organisation and a clear transitional game. Extended training camps in Antalya and logistical adjustments due to geopolitical pressure have tested preparation, yet the squad’s mental resilience has been notable. Tactical pragmatism with compact defending, fast wing transitions and set-piece emphasis has underpinned his side’s results.
Iran should finish third. Their defensive discipline and the Taremi threat make them tough opponents; they will certainly be in contention for a round-of-32 place as one of the better third-placed teams. However, their path depends on fine margins outside the group and results elsewhere across the tournament.
New Zealand’s return to the World Cup is emphatic rather than lucky. The All Whites swept the OFC qualifying stage with five wins from five, scoring 29 goals and conceding a single goal. A 3-0 win over New Caledonia in the Oceania final at Eden Park confirmed their place and their momentum. Chris Wood’s nine goals in qualifying underlined a renewed attacking thrust.
Under Darren Bazeley, New Zealand have shifted towards a more progressive, European-influenced style. Selection of Europe-based players and an emphasis on controlled possession and forward momentum has modernised their approach compared with previous All Whites teams. The manager’s strategy seeks to reduce panic in big matches and to make the side competitive in the first phase of attack.
Although New Zealand will arrive with momentum and organisation, the gulf in individual quality and depth versus Belgium and Egypt is likely decisive. Expect the All Whites to finish fourth in Group G; they may earn respect and pressure opponents, but not the points required to advance.
