As the end of the 2025/26 season draws nearer and summer approaches, so does the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The biggest sporting event in the world returns once more, four years on from one of it’s greatest chapters in Qatar, this time taking its magic to North America via the US, Mexico and Canada.
This year’s edition of the tournament will see a record number of teams taking part for football’s ultimate prize. WIth 48 teams being divided into twelve groups. One of those groups is group G, consisting of Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand, but how could the group play out when the ball gets rolling this summer?
Will Iran Feature?
Drama has begun in group G of this summer’s World Cup months before the tournament even begins. Recent political trouble involving Iran and the United States has cast doubts over the middle-eastern nations participation in the tournament despite their qualification.
However, FIFA President Giani Infantino has remained adamant that Iran will indeed take part in the tournament despite tensions between the nation and the United States.
In a statement to American Broadcaster CNBC, Infrantino stated "Iran has to come, of course. They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play."
"They should play – sports should be outside of politics. Now, okay – we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth, but if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them intact and together, well we are doing that”.
USA President Donald Trump however has stated he considered it ‘inappropriate’ for Iran to feature at the World Cup in America this summer. According to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Iran had requested to FIFA that they have their group matches vs Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand from the US to Mexico, however the request was turned down by the global football organization.
As it stands, it appears Iran will play in the tournament as normal, but further drama could be on the way on the leadup to the opening match.
Who Are The Group Favourites?
In group G, the favourites to advance as group leaders has to be Belgium. The Red Devils will be under new management since the 2022 World Cup, this time being led by former Napoli and Lille boss Ruud Garcia. Garcia will be joined by Belgian legend Eden Hazard as his assistant, who was part of Garcia’s team at Lille before moving to Chelsea.
The Red Devils squad may not be what it was a number of years ago, but it is still capable of reaching the latter stages of the tournament. Kevin De Bruyne, whilst not at the peak of his powers, will be in the centre of Belgium's play and will look to be the creative spark. The former Manchester City player has struggled for fitness for Napoli this season, but has still been key for Antonio Conte’s team when he has taken to the pitch.
Alongside De Bruyne is a number of supreme Premier League talents. Including Jermey Doku, Leandro Trossard and Youri Tielemans. All three have had strong seasons for their respective clubs this season, and all could be part of teams who go on to win major trophies at the conclusion of this campaign.
Garcia will look to bring Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois back into the Belgium squad for the tournament after an extended absence from the national team. And with one of the world’s very best between the sticks, Belgium certainly have a chance of causing a potential upset.
Who Could Also Go Through?
Out of the rest of the group, Egypt will be the side hotly tipped to go through alongside favourites Belgium.
Mohammed Salah may have not had a particularly strong campaign and will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. However, the legendary winger still has what it takes to star for Egypt in North America this summer and will be leading Egypt at a World Cup finals for the second time following the 2018 edition of the tournament in Russia.
Alongside Salah, Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush will also look to be one of Egypt's main threats. The 27 year-old has struggled for form this season and will look to bring his best out for his national team this summer.
After qualifying for the World Cup for the first.
Could There Be A Surprise Upset?
With Belgium and Egypt heavy favourites to make up the top two spots in Group G, it looks to be seen whether either Iran or New Zealand can spring a surprise and upset the odds.
Iran are no strangers to the big stage of a World Cup finals tournament, with the nation appearing at six previous editions of International football’s showpiece event. However, have failed to qualify from the group stages in any of their previous appearances, and will look to make history in America this summer in their seventh attempt.
Leading the line for Iran is former Porto and Inter striker Mehdi Taremi. The experienced hitman is currently plying his trade in Greece with Olympiacos, and has scored ten goals in 20 appearances for the Greek side in the Greek Super League so far this season, as well as two in the UEFA Champions League.
Whilst Iran have their own star striker who will carry the hopes of the nation on their shoulders, the final team in Group G, New Zealand, have the same.
Chris Wood is undoubtedly the best footballer produced by New Zealand. The experienced striker is his country’s all-time top scorer, and has scored 91 goals in the Premier League across spells with Burnley, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
The 34 year-old has struggled with injury for Forest this season, but returned for his side’s UEFA Europa League clash vs Porto ahead of a lengthy injury and New Zealand supporters will be hoping the striker can be fit for the start of their nation’s third World Cup appearance.
Group G Predictions and Analysis
Based on the analysis, the most secure bet of the day for Group G is on the two clear favorites to progress. Belgium, with strong leadership from players like Kevin De Bruyne and a world-class goalkeeper in Thibaut Courtois, are strongly tipped to finish first. Egypt is the hot favorite to take the second qualification spot alongside them.
Prediction: Belgium and Egypt both to qualify from Group G
When And Where Are Group G’s Fixtures?
Group G kicks off on Monday 15th June in Seattle. As the groups two most favored sides take on in the group’s most high-profile clash as Belgium take on Egypt at 8pm BST.
Iran vs New Zealand take on each other just hours later at 2am as the clock clocks over to Tuesday morning in the UK as the two underdogs of the group face off against each other in Los Angeles.
Fast forward to the end of the week, and Belgium’s second game of the tournament sees them travel to Los Angeles to face Iran, before New Zealand and Egypt clash across the northern border to Vancouver, Canada in the early hours of the morning BST.
A week later, the group concludes with both matches taking place at 4am BST on Saturday 27th June. Vancouver is again the host city as Belgium and New Zealand clash in Canada, whilst Egypt and Iran face off in Seattle to decide the fate of the group.
