New Zealand vs Belgium | FIFA World Cup 2026- Group Stages | Preview and Predictions

New Zealand and Belgium face off against each other with both sides having qualification to the next stage more or less taken out of their hands if they fail to win tonight. A win for either side takes them through, a draw means New Zealand are out, and a loss to Belgium puts them out too. With a lot of outcomes a possibility, both sides will look for what is the easiest of them all- win, and win with a considerable margin.

So with that being said, here is our Preview and Predictions for the game.

FIFA WC26 | Group G: NZL vs BEL | 08:30 IST, 27 June, 2026

New Zealand are still searching for what will be their first win in World Cups after seeing their unbeaten run in World Cups being put to an end by what was a pretty bad 3-1 loss against Egypt in the second game following what was a very creditable 2-2 draw against Iran in their opening match.

The first half against Egypt went exactly to type. The All Whites got the early goal in the half, defended well and in numbers, and managed to keep the Egyptians at bay until the half-time whistle. However, their second half showing left a lot to be desired as they not only let Egypt back into the game, but allowed them to dictate the terms from thereon as they surrendered rather meekly towards the end.

The 3-1 scoreline was flattering because Egypt could easily have had a couple more goals and well and truly finish it off. New Zealand cannot afford to switch off the way they did in the second half or else against a side as skilled as Belgium, that will only mean trouble.

Belgium, on the other hand, have once again proven to be one of the tournament’s biggest disappointments. Draws against Egypt and Iran have more or less put qualification out of their hands unless they beat New Zealand by a significant margin.

Everyone of their players has been poor and has flattered to deceive in the tournament and their play just feels disjointed and stodgy. Even the only goal they have in the tournament is an own goal. The attack is one-dimensional, most of the players are either past their prime or are young and inconsistent. The saga made around Jeremy Doku’s absence to be present for the birth of his first child did not help matters as well.

Belgium basically have to get their attack firing once again. Both Doku and Leandro Trossard have had great individual seasons but they have not transferred in this World Cup. Perhaps this could be the game where that happens.

We believe that despite their poor showings, Belgium have just too much firepower in their ranks for New Zealand to deal with, making them the favourites for this contest.

Score Predictions: New Zealand 0- 3 Belgium.

Venue: BC Place Vancouver, Vancouver.