Preview: New Zealand vs Belgium prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Belgium’s fading golden generation eye sealing knockout berth with win over the Oceania nation.

BC Place, Vancouver, Canada, gears up to host the final matchweek fixtures in Group G of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where 2018 bronze medalists Belgium take on New Zealand in a thrilling contest.

Group G is in a very interesting scenario. The top two spots are still up for grabs for both teams. The winner of both these games will advance to the next stage of the competition. This is a must-win game for New Zealand to stay alive and if Iran even draws against Egypt, it also becomes a must-win game for Belgium.

New Zealand have a rare opportunity to qualify for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time and the permutations are pretty straightforward. You win and you would finish among the top two. But incase Iran defeats Egypt, they will have to settle for a third spot, but 4 points may be good enough.

In both games, their offensive lineup impressed a lot after New Zealand had been the team to draw the first blood. However, a series of defensive errors saw the All Whites settle for a 2-2 draw against Iran and a 3-1 defeat to Egypt in the last game.

The Red Devils boasting unarguably one of the finest teams in FIFA World Cup 2026 have massively underperformed. After a 1-1 draw against Egypt in the opening encounter, they were held to a goalless draw against a mighty Iranian outfit despite all logistical constraints.

For the Red Devils, a win is mandatory. However, even a win is not enough for them to finish atop the group, as Egypt stands as the favourite to top it. If the other game ends in a draw between Iran and Egypt, it would see Egypt and Iran advancing to the next stage if Belgium drops points against the All Whites.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kick-off:

• Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Stadium: BC Place Vancouver
• Date: Friday, June 26
• Kick-off time: 4 a.m. BST, 8 p.m. local PDT [Saturday, June 27 at 8:30 a.m. IST]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

New Zealand (in all competitions): L-D-L-L-W

Belgium (in all competitions): D-D-W-W-D

Players to Watch

Marko Stamenić (New Zealand)

Born in Wellington to a Serbian father and a Samoan mother, Stamenic would be the defensive anchor of New Zealand in the midfield in a must win game. Belgium despite failing to find a single goalscorer in the World Cup have the most elite midfield in this tournament.

Stamenic has massive experience playing in Europe, having donned the jerseys of Nottingham Forest, FC Copenhagen and Olympiacos. He excels at protecting his central defenders by mapping opposition transition routes and his pin point crosses in the final third can even create chances upfront for New Zealand.

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Arguably the greatest midfielder in world football, Kevin De Bruyne must step up and lead his side to victory in a must win game against New Zealand. After a disappointing group stage exit last edition, the 34 year old veteran would be keen to take his side to much deserving knockout stages.

This might be his last dance at the grandest stage of football, and at a time when the Red Devils have constantly failed to find the back of the net, Rudi Garcia will expect the Napoli midfielder to cast his magical spell in the midfield to create chances and score goals for Belgium.

Match Facts

• These two sides are set to lock horns for the first time ever.
• New Zealand are yet to win despite taking the lead first in both the games
• Belgium do not have a goalscorer yet at FIFA World Cup 2026

New Zealand vs Belgium: Betting Tips and Odds

• Belgium to win – 2/11 with Betfred
• Romelu Lukaku to score – 3/5 with Betfred
• New Zealand 1-4 Belgium – 14/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia will be delighted after the arrival of Man City winger Jeremy Doku. Nathan Ngoy picked a red against Iran and will most likely be replaced by Theate.

English gaffer Darren Bazeley will most likely stick to the same lineup that played well and scored goals. He must fix his defensive woes and would be hoping star forward Chris Wood to get things going.

Head-to-Head

These two sides are set to lock horns for the first time ever.

Predicted Lineups

New Zealand predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Max Crocombe (GK); Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace; Marko Stamenić, Joe Bell; Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just; Chris Wood.

Belgium predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Thibaut Courtois (GK); Thomas Meunier, Arthur Theate, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper; Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans; Alexis Saelemaekers, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard; Romelu Lukaku.

Match Prediction

New Zealand can pose significant threats to Belgium, but in high-stakes games like these, the best players who regularly compete in top leagues do outshine, and we expect the Belgians to do the same by clinching a big statement win.

Prediction: New Zealand 1-4 Belgium

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.