Group G of World Cup 2026 is the group of the golden generation saying goodbye and of the star who wants to shine. Belgium arrive with the last great players of their best era, Egypt with Mohamed Salah chasing the first World Cup win of his career, Iran with their defensive solidity, and New Zealand with the excitement of a national team returning to the World Cup after sixteen years. It is a group where second place is wide open, and the leaders will make the difference.

The four teams in Group G

Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand are four nations with different ambitions. Belgium have the strongest squad, with Kevin De Bruyne leading the midfield and a generation that wants to finish in style after years of high expectations. Egypt are Mohamed Salah's team, one of the best players in the world, and arrive with a hunger to make up for past disappointments. Iran are one of the most organised teams in Asia: a compact defence, tactical discipline and dangerous counter-attacks. New Zealand return to the World Cup after 2010, when they went out unbeaten, and rely on physicality and organisation.

Belgium and the last chance of the golden generation

For Belgium, this World Cup is the last call. The golden generation that finished third in 2018 won little compared to the talent they had, and De Bruyne, Lukaku and company know this is the final chance to leave a mark. The Belgian team remain favourites in the group, but they must show they can manage matches: in recent editions Belgium have struggled exactly when they were expected to win. Group G is the right chance to start well and build confidence.

Salah and Egypt, a story to write

Mohamed Salah is the most awaited player in Group G. The Liverpool star has never won a match at a World Cup and arrives in North America determined to change history. Egypt are a team built around him: a solid defence, a hard-working midfield and balls for his pace. If Salah is on form, Egypt can beat anyone in the group. The match against Belgium will be the most important test for the Pharaohs.

Iran and New Zealand: solidity against enthusiasm

Iran are one of the hardest teams to play against in Asia: they concede no space, defend in an orderly way and punish teams from set pieces. They have already shown in the past that they can trouble the big teams, and in such an open group they can aim for second place. New Zealand, by contrast, are the most unpredictable team: physicality, aerial play and contagious enthusiasm. In 2010 they left the World Cup unbeaten after drawing all three matches: nobody can take them lightly.

Key matches to watch

Belgium against Egypt is the signature match of the group: De Bruyne against Salah, two stars playing for first place. Iran against New Zealand will be the clash between two teams who know they must play for everything in their head-to-head games. Egypt against Iran, finally, could decide second place: two national teams with solid defences and attacks that depend heavily on their leaders.

Prediction: who advances?

Belgium should win the group, even if they will have to work harder than expected. Second place is a duel between Egypt and Iran: the Pharaohs have Salah, the Iranians have more organisation and more World Cup experience. New Zealand can join the race as the third party. Our prediction: Belgium first, Egypt second, Iran third with a chance of going through among the best third-placed teams.