2026 World Cup Group G: Standings, Fixtures, and Team Profiles

Group G Overview for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup expands to feature 48 teams across North America, promising an intense summer of football. Group G includes Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand, each bringing unique talent and ambitions to the tournament starting June 15, 2026.

How Group Tiebreakers Are Decided

If teams finish level on points, FIFA applies several tiebreakers in order:

• Head-to-head results among tied teams
• Goal difference in those head-to-head matches
• Goals scored in those games
• Overall goal difference in all group matches
• Total goals scored in all group matches
• Team conduct score based on cards
• FIFA rankings if still tied

Advancement of Third-Place Teams

The 2026 tournament allows the eight best third-place teams from all groups to advance to the Round of 32, ranked by points, goal difference, goals scored, conduct score, and FIFA ranking.

Profiles of Group G Teams

Belgium

Belgium, aiming to surpass their 2018 third-place achievement, face questions about replacing stars like Kevin De Bruyne who is nearing the end of his career. With key players like Thibaut Courtois, Leandro Trossard, and emerging talents Charles De Ketelaere and Jeremy Doku, they remain a threat. Romelu Lukaku’s fitness will be pivotal. Belgium’s record shows 14 World Cup appearances with no title yet. Coach Rudi Garcia took charge in 2025.

FIFA Ranking: 9Coach: Rudi GarciaKey Players: Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois

Iran

Iran has qualified for six World Cups, including five since 2000. They topped their AFC qualifying group with seven wins, one loss, and two draws. Veteran Mehdi Taremi leads their attack, supported by Alireza Jahanbakhsh and goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. Their last World Cup ended at the group stage, but they’ve grown into strong contenders in Asia.

FIFA Ranking: 21Coach: Amir GhalenoeiKey Players: Mehdi Taremi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Alireza Beiranvand

Egypt

After missing the last World Cup, Egypt returns with confidence, having gone unbeaten in qualifying. Mohamed Salah leads a squad blending experience and youth, including Omar Marmoush and Trezeguet. Egypt’s strong defense and attack make them a team to watch in Group G, aiming to reclaim their place as African and Arab football giants.

FIFA Ranking: 29Coach: Hossam HassanKey Players: Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Zizo

New Zealand

New Zealand makes its third World Cup appearance after qualifying through the OFC, winning decisively against New Caledonia. Though football isn’t the country’s main sport, the All Whites have quality players like captain Chris Wood and promising youngsters such as Tyler Bindon and Finn Surman. Ranked lowest in the group, they hope to challenge stronger sides.

FIFA Ranking: 85Coach: Darren BazeleyKey Players: Chris Wood, Finn Surman, Marko Stamenic

Broadcast Information for the 2026 World Cup

In the United States, Fox holds English-language TV rights, while streaming is available through Fubo, which offers a free trial. Across other regions:

• Canada: TSN and Amazon Prime
• UK: BBC, ITV, STV with streaming via BBC iPlayer and ITV X
• Australia: SBS and SBS On Demand
• India: To be announced

Group G Knockout Stage Path

The winner of Group G faces a third-place qualifier in the Round of 32. The runner-up meets the second-place team from Group D. Third-place finishers who qualify may face winners of Groups I or B. The knockout schedule spans late June through mid-July across venues in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.