Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Tennis
Other Sports
Sport Nation
FWC: MEX v RSA live on SN ExtraFIFA World Cup 2026: New Zealand, Belgium, Egypt, Iran preview
Sport Nation • June 11th, 2026 1:11 pm
Group G sets up an intriguing tactical battlefield where a changing European powerhouse, a determined African icon, a famously resilient Asian unit, and an ambitious Oceania representative collide.
Let’s start with the latter, New Zealand, returning to the world stage after 16 years via Oceania's direct qualification route.
Under Darren Bazeley, the All Whites aim to channel their legendary, undefeated 2010 resilience, utilising Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood while balancing various other threats across the park to scrap for a historic maiden victory.
Keep an eye on young Matthew Garbett out wide, while Eli Just has just completed a career-best season in Scotland for Motherwell.
Elijah Just in action against Cote d'Ivoire | Photo: Photosport
Belgium enters a brand-new era as the old 'Golden Generation' makes way for a hungry, transitional side.
The Red Devils still lean on the vision of Kevin De Bruyne and the clinical output of Romelu Lukaku, but the explosive pace of Manchester City's Jérémy Doku spearheads a thrilling 'New Gen' resurgence.
They will be heavily tested by Egypt, an African powerhouse desperate to rewrite its lopsided World Cup history.
The Pharaohs are led by Mohamed Salah in what feels like his ultimate quest for a monumental first-ever finals victory, flanked by the lethal Bundesliga form of Omar Marmoush.
Egypt's Mohamed Salah | Photo: AP
The group's ultimate resistance comes from Iran - standard-bearers of defensive collective sacrifice.
Team Melli specialises in frustrating superior technical sides, but their true threat in 2026 lies up front with the proven, lethal striking partnership of Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun, who are highly capable of guiding Iran to their first-ever knockout appearance.
Expect Belgium to lead the technical charge while Egypt, Iran, and our Kiwi boys engage in an incredibly physical, fiercely contested multi-way battle for the remaining Round of 32 spots.
Sport Nation is an official radio broadcaster of FIFA World Cup 2026 this June/July - download the app today on Google Play and the App Store.
FIFA World Cup 2026: New Zealand, Belgium, Egypt, Iran preview | Group G
