New Zealand starting lineup vs Belgium confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 match
(Courtesy : Getty)
The All Whites remain firmly in the hunt for a place in the Round of 32 in tonight’s match.
New Zealand take on Belgium in their final Group G clash in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, on June 26. The Oceania side sit bottom of the table with just one point to their name, but can finish the night as high as second.
The All Whites began their World Cup campaign on the front foot, earning a 2-2 draw with Iran. A brace from Elijah Just briefly gave the island nation the lead against Team Melli, but Mohammad Mohebi’s goal meant that the Kiwis had to settle for a point.
The next match, however, was a disaster for Darren Bazeley’s side. Mostafa Ziko, Mohamed Salah, and Trezeguet scored to seal a 3-1 win for Egypt, with Finn Surman’s strike being a mere consolation.
The All Whites need all three points on the final day to keep their qualification hopes alive. In case the Kiwis beat Belgium, they will move to second place and secure automatic qualification if Iran lose their game against Egypt. Even if the other result does not go their way, Chris Wood and company will still progress to the knockout stages as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Also Read: New Zealand vs Belgium: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026
Let’s look at the New Zealand confirmed lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Belgium:
New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Max Crocombe; Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Tyler Bindon, Liberato Cacace; Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic; Ryan Thomas, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just; Chris Wood (c).
Substitutes: Alex Paulsen (gk), Michael Woud (gk), Kosta Barbarouses, Lachlan Bayliss, Michael Boxall, Francis De Vries, Callan Elliot, Callum McCowatt, Benjamin Old, Nando Pinjnaker, Jesse Randall, Logan Rogerson, Alex Rufer, Tommy Smith, Ben Waine.
Thoughts on the lineup
Bazeley has once again opted to field a largely unchanged lineup, much like he did in the last game. Millwall goalkeeper Max Crocombe starts between the sticks, and he is shielded by the centre-back pairing of Finn Surman and Tyler Bindon, with the latter replacing Michael Boxall. Liberato Cacace starts on the left, and social media sensation Tim Payne starts on the right.
Joe Bell and Marko Stamenic form the two-man midfield pivot, with Indian-origin Sarpreet Singh starting in an advanced role. Ryan Thomas and Elijah Just start on either flank.
Chris Wood, the team’s talismanic striker and captain, starts as the lone striker. Despite having 45 goals for the All Whites, he is yet to find the back of the net in the expanded 48-team tournament in North America.
When is New Zealand vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The Group G clash is scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026, at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada. In India, the match will kick off at 8:30 AM IST on June 27.
How to watch New Zealand vs Belgium match in India?
Fans in India can watch live on Zee5 (premium subscription required) or on Unite8 Sports TV channels.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.