When does 2026 World Cup Group G start?
Group G opens on June 15, 2026, with Belgium playing their first match. All three matchdays are completed by June 27.
The Global Crossroad
Belgium and Egypt lead a diverse section featuring teams from four different confederations. A group defined by experience and tactical variety.
Group G is a rare four-confederation mix: UEFA (Belgium), CAF (Egypt), AFC (IR Iran), and OFC (New Zealand). This variety makes it one of the most difficult groups to scout, as each team brings a fundamentally different tactical culture.
Belgium enters as the clear favorite, but the presence of Mohamed Salah's Egypt and an ultra-defensive IR Iran side means the G1 seeds will face three very different types of pressure.
| Slot | Team | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| G1 | Belgium | Europe / Rebuilding |
| G2 | Egypt | African Powerhouse |
| G3 | IR Iran | AFC / Defensive Unit |
| G4 | New Zealand | OFC Representative |
Speed in transition is Egypt's primary weapon against Belgium.
In Houston's NRG Stadium, Egypt's ability to absorb pressure and strike through Salah and Marmoush will be the group's defining tactical sub-plot. Belgium's aging defensive line has struggled with pace in recent UEFA fixtures.
A result for Egypt in the opener would immediately throw the group wide open, potentially forcing Belgium to chase goals against a notoriously stubborn IR Iran side in Matchday 2.
The All Whites look to prove they belong in the expanded 48.
New Zealand enters as the definitive underdog, but the 48-team format gives them a realistic target: a strong third-place finish. Their physicality in the air provides a different challenge for the more technical IR Iran and Belgium squads.
Successfully managing goal difference against the group's top seeds will be the key to their survival into the knockout rounds.
Note: Group G teams and the Houston venue assignments are final.
Group G opens on June 15, 2026, with Belgium playing their first match. All three matchdays are completed by June 27.
Group G consists of Belgium, Egypt, IR Iran, New Zealand.
The top two teams automatically qualify for the Round of 32. The third-place team will also advance if they are among the eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups.