Group G
Group G features Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand. Belgium's experienced squad faces a defining tournament challenge while Egypt's Mo Salah aims for a deep run. Get AI-powered win probability and match analysis for every Group G fixture.
Group G is one of the most watchable groups at World Cup 2026, headlined by Belgium — a nation that spent years ranked number one in the world with their "golden generation" of players. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and their generation are in the twilight of their careers in 2026, giving this group a sense of last-chance urgency for Belgian football.
Egypt enter Group G with one of the most iconic players of his generation — Mohamed Salah — who will be desperate to inspire his nation to a memorable World Cup run. Iran are a disciplined Asian qualifier who surprised several opponents in recent tournaments, while New Zealand qualified through the intercontinental playoffs and will give everything against stronger opposition.
Belgium's "golden generation" — including De Bruyne, Lukaku, Hazard's successors and established stars — faces what many expect to be their last serious World Cup challenge. Belgium reached the 2018 semi-finals and 2022 round of 16. In 2026 they will be even more motivated to finally win a major tournament, though questions remain about the ageing of key players.
Mohamed Salah is arguably one of the best players of his generation, yet his World Cup career has been limited by injury and early eliminations. Egypt's Group G draw gives Salah the opportunity to perform on the biggest stage. A Salah vs Belgium match at the World Cup would be one of the most anticipated individual storylines of the tournament.
Belgium are favourites to win Group G, with Egypt expected to push for second place. The Belgium vs Egypt match could determine the group winner. Iran and New Zealand will compete for the best third-place position. Belgium's superior squad depth makes them slight favourites to top the group.
Mohamed Salah will be 34 years old at the 2026 World Cup — making this likely his last realistic chance at a World Cup deep run. Salah has been one of the most consistent players in world football for nearly a decade but has never had the opportunity to shine at a World Cup due to Egypt's early eliminations.
Belgium's best result at any major tournament remains the 2018 World Cup third place. In 2026, with a squad that mixes experience and a new generation of Belgian talent, they are realistic contenders to go further. The key question is whether De Bruyne and the senior players can sustain their fitness over the tournament.