Belgium vs New Zealand is one of two fascinating Group G games this evening, as all teams involved stand a great chance of playing knockout football.
As Iran fight Egypt to top the group, and set up a Round of 16 face-off against USA, both Belgium and New Zealand can secure progression to the next stage.
The All Whites are incapable of topping the group, unlike Roberto Martinez’s men, however, they can prevent their opposition from moving into the next phase of the 2026 World Cup.
Belgium vs New Zealand prediction, Group G, 2026 World Cup
FourFourTwo‘s view is clear: New Zealand, despite being the lowest-ranked nation at the tournament, stand a real chance here.
Against both Iran and Egypt, two sides who gave Belgium a true fight, the All Whites held their own for the vast majority of the game.
New Zealand’s defensive record at the tournament does not paint a pretty picture, but the Red Devils’ attacking prowess is also lacking.
With five goals conceded for the All Whites, and just one goal scored for Belgium, this is unlikely to be a high-scoring fixture, but both national sides will score during the event.
The question is, like the majority of clashes in North America this summer: who wants it more?
Manchester City’s past and present, Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, pose a real threat, even if that’s been largely absent at this tournament so far.
Elsewhere, the All Whites possess a frightening aerial threat in Chris Wood, a silky talent in Elijah Just, and a centre-back pairing hybrid that combines young blood with veteran experience.
If the Red Devils are to prevail, it will be due to New Zealand’s inexperience on the world stage, not their own brilliance.
Far too many times have we seen this supposed Belgian ‘golden generation’ wilt when the pressure is applied, and this will be no different.
If the All Whites can use that aerial threat to their advantage early on to go a goal ahead, then it remains more likely than not that the Red Devils will crumble, and fail to secure victory.
Unfortunately for New Zealand, their nerves will get the better of them in the dying embers, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Prediction: New Zealand 1-1 Belgium, with goals from Chris Wood and Kevin de Bruyne.
