World Cup Group G Preview: Betting Predictions & Team Analysis

Group G appears to be one of the more manageable sections of the 2026 World Cup draw. Belgium enter as the team to beat based on the World Cup Group Winner betting odds, while Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand are all still looking to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their respective World Cup histories.

That means Group G is guaranteed to produce a milestone moment, as at least one nation will advance deeper into the tournament than it ever has before.

Odds to Win Group G

Belgium -280
Egypt +470
Iran +650
New Zealand +2500

Belgium’s famous Golden Generation never captured a major international title, but the Red Devils were still one of the most reliable and respected teams in world soccer for much of the past decade. They were strong at the 2014 World Cup and followed that with their best tournament finish in 2018, taking third place.

The Red Devils were also recognized as FIFA’s Team of the Year in 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Even with that long run of success, Belgium could not turn its talent into a World Cup or European Championship trophy.

Several of Belgium’s expected starters are now on the wrong side of 30, making this World Cup feel like one of the last major chances for this core group. Still, Belgium remain heavy favorites to win Group G because Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand each have clear concerns entering the tournament.

Odds to Win World Cup for Group G Teams

Belgium +3500
Egypt +35000
Iran +55000
New Zealand +155000

The futures market suggests Belgium are the only Group G side with anything close to a realistic path toward lifting the World Cup. Egypt will once again rely heavily on Mo Salah, but the Liverpool forward will be 34 years old when the Pharaohs begin their campaign, and the squad lacks another proven world-class star.

Iran bring their own uncertainty into the tournament, especially with all three of their Group Stage matches scheduled to take place in the United States amid geopolitical tension. New Zealand, meanwhile, are priced as one of the longest shots in the entire field.

Match Schedule

Team Previews

Belgium

This tournament could be Belgium’s final realistic opportunity to put together a major World Cup run with this veteran core. The Red Devils have been among the most accomplished international teams of the last decade, but many of their most recognizable players are getting older, and the next generation has not yet proven to be as strong.

Belgium still have an elite presence in goal with Thibaut Courtois. The Real Madrid goalkeeper won the Golden Glove at the 2018 World Cup and has built a decorated club career filled with major trophies. His level of play gives Belgium a strong safety net and allows the team to be more aggressive when pushing forward.

Thomas Meunier is expected to play an important role defensively. The experienced back has scored 10 goals in 78 appearances for Belgium and can still contribute in advanced positions. Timothy Castagne gives the back line another experienced option, while Arthur Theate, Zeno Debast, and Maxim de Cuyper should also be in the mix for meaningful minutes.

Belgium are no longer able to count on Eden Hazard in midfield, but Kevin De Bruyne remains the team’s main creative force. De Bruyne has 36 goals in 117 international appearances and continues to be one of Belgium’s most important players. Axel Witsel adds even more experience, while captain Youri Tielemans will be counted on to influence the game in possession and defensively.

Romelu Lukaku is still Belgium’s most dependable goal scorer, having produced 89 goals in 124 matches for the national team. Leandro Trossard also arrives in strong form after an excellent season with Premier League champions Arsenal.

Jeremy Doku may be the most exciting attacking piece in the squad. Manchester City paid €65 million to sign Doku three years ago, and he is coming off his best campaign with the club. His pace, directness, and ability to beat defenders could make him one of Belgium’s most dangerous players at this World Cup.

Egypt

Egypt are the oldest national team in Africa and have won the Africa Cup of Nations more times than any other country, claiming seven titles. However, their continental success has never truly translated to the World Cup stage.

This will be Egypt’s fourth World Cup appearance, and the Pharaohs are still searching for their first win in the tournament. They finished as the second-worst team at the 2018 World Cup after losing all three matches, though their campaign was more competitive than that record suggests. Egypt conceded late against Uruguay in the 89th minute and then allowed another decisive goal deep into stoppage time against Saudi Arabia.

Mo Salah is clearly the standout name on the roster. The Liverpool star is a national legend and is expected to eventually pass Hossam Hassan as Egypt’s all-time leading scorer. Salah has scored 67 goals in 115 appearances for Egypt and continues to perform at a high level, even with some uncertainty around his Liverpool future heading into the offseason.

Trezeguet and Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush are the other key attacking options. Trezeguet has played for several clubs during his career and brings useful experience, including having started all three of Egypt’s matches at the 2018 World Cup.

Marmoush could be viewed as the player most likely to eventually take over as Egypt’s attacking leader. Manchester City signed him for nearly £60 million in January 2025, and he has already delivered several memorable finishes in limited action, including the Premier League Goal of the Year last season.

Beyond the attacking names, much of Egypt’s projected World Cup squad is made up of players who are less familiar internationally and play domestically. Al-Wakrah midfielder Hamdy Fathy could be one of the more experienced options in the middle if Mohamed Elneny is not included in the final squad.

In goal, Mohamed El Shenawy is set to take over from Essam El Hadary, who became the oldest player in World Cup history during the 2018 tournament.

Iran

Iran have come close to advancing out of the Group Stage before, and it feels like Team Melli are not far away from finally reaching the knockout rounds. In 2018, Iran defeated Morocco and held Portugal to a draw, finishing third in a difficult group that also included Spain.

The challenge looks different this time. Iran will be under a significant spotlight, with all three of their Group Stage matches taking place in the United States.

Mehdi Taremi remains one of Iran’s most important players. He is the second-leading scorer in the country’s history with 59 goals in 103 appearances and currently plays for Olympiacos in Greece. Mehdi Ghayedi also brings experience in the attack, but he may have to take on a larger role after Sardar Azmoun was removed from the national team.

Iran also have two dependable attacking midfielders. Mohammad Mohebi of Rostov has scored 14 goals in 35 matches for Iran, while captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh has 17 goals in 98 international appearances.

Jahanbakhsh has also made history at club level. During the 2017-18 season with AZ Alkmaar, he became the first Asian player to finish as the top scorer in the Eredivisie.

Defensively, Iran are expected to rely heavily on players based in their domestic league. That could help with chemistry and familiarity, but there are still questions about the overall quality of the back line. Those concerns were visible at the 2022 World Cup when Iran conceded six goals against England in their opening match.

New Zealand

New Zealand enter Group G as the biggest underdog based on the World Cup betting odds. The All Whites will be appearing in their third World Cup, with their most memorable campaign coming in 2010.

After losing every match by at least three goals at the 1982 World Cup, New Zealand were far more competitive in South Africa. They drew all three of their matches in 2010, including a 1-1 result against defending champion Italy that helped leave the Italians at the bottom of the group.

New Zealand snapped a rough stretch with a 4-1 victory over Chile in late March. Before that win, they had managed just one positive result across their previous eight international matches, a 1-1 draw with Norway in October.

Captain Chris Wood will be asked to carry most of the attacking load. Wood has scored 45 goals in 88 international appearances, but he missed six months with Nottingham Forest because of a knee injury and only returned to action in April.

There is limited proven quality throughout the rest of the roster. New Zealand will likely spend long stretches defending deep in front of Millwall goalkeeper Max Crocombe, who is coming off a strong season.

Tyler Bindon is another name to monitor. The 21-year-old will be making his World Cup debut, but he has already gained valuable international experience after earning his first call-up at just 18 years old.