⚽ World Cup 2026: Group G Predictions, Best Bets & Odds
The 2026 World Cup gets underway in one week, but it's another half week after that before you'll get to check out Group G, home of Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. There isn't a lot of faith on this side of the computer screen that any of these teams will give Belgium a real run, and oddsmakers agree, as the Red Devils are -220 betting favorites to advance from the top seed.
But my Group G best bets and predictions have to really scour the markets to find a top value play.
📅 World Cup 2026: Group G schedule
The schedule for Group G covers plenty of distance, but no time-zone hopping.
- June 15 -> Belgium vs. Egypt (Lumen Field, Seattle)
- June 15 -> Iran vs. New Zealand (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.)
- June 21 -> Belgium vs. Iran (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.)
- June 21 -> New Zealand vs. Egypt (BC Place, Vancouver)
- June 26 -> Egypt vs. Iran (Lumen Field, Seattle)
- June 26 -> New Zealand vs. Belgium (BC Place, Vancouver)
⚽ World Cup 2026: Group G best bets
New Zealand to lose all Group G games (+225)
New Zealand enters as one of the weakest teams in the entirety of the World Cup field, and playing in a Group with a strong European side and Egypt and Iran who will be battling for second place/to qualify as a third-placed team is a troublesome spot.
A New Zealand squad that leans heavily on Chris Wood to generate offense will be up against a highly organized Iranian defense in their opener. Drumming up enough offense to net even one against Iran is going to be an incredibly tall task. Iran limits passing lanes through the midfield, and the backline is a savvy, experienced group.
The face Egypt in their game match, another disaster. The Egyptian squad have excellent ball retention and composure, and will cycle possession in the attacking third until they break down the New Zealand defense.
The wrap-up against Belgium has the potential to be an interesting game, in that, depending on the earlier tilt between Iran and Egypt, Belgium might have the group already wrapped up. But even still, the Belgian backups should possess too much quality for New Zealand. In the event they get a full dose of the starters, then we'll see the Belgian midfield exploit New Zealand's defense by stretching and isolating defenders. Belgium is elite. New Zealand simply isn't.
🔬 SBR EDGE
The pick: New Zealand to lose all Group G games (+225)
The why: A single point is likely the ceiling for this New Zealand team, and even that is going to have be hard fought. Their form entering the tournament is awful, and they're up against three teams that will all be pushing to make sure they reach the knockout rounds.
Market boundaries: Buy-up to: +200 | Allocation: 0.5 units
❓ World Cup 2026: Group G FAQs
Which teams are in Group G?
Knockout-round hopefuls Belgium, Iran, and Egypt are joined by New Zealand in Group G.
Who is the favorite to win Group G?
Belgium is a -220 betting favorite to win Group G.
When does Group G play?
Group G opens their tournament play on June 15, with their second games on June 21, and their final games on June 26.
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
Related Articles
