Belgium are the favourites to win the group as they bid to win their first World Cup
Egypt and Iran will battle it out for second in the group, with outsiders New Zealand hoping for third
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Ladbrokes shares its in-depth Group G preview, with a look at each nation, the full schedule, and the bookies' favourites.
Belgium's so-called Golden Generation may have been and gone, but they are still the heavyweight contenders in Group G and should have no issues progressing into the knockout stages.
Premier League legend Kevin De Bruyne remains the standout name for the Red Devils, but there are plenty of other current top-flight stars littered throughout, with current Manchester City star Jeremy Doku their most dangerous forward alongside Leandro Trossard and Romelu Lukaku, while captain Youri Tielemans and Aston Villa team-mate Amadou Onana make up a strong midfield if fit. They also have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Thibaut Courtois, with Senne Lammens a worthy backup between the sticks.
Rudi Garcia's side are inside the top-10 contenders to win the competition outright at 33/1 and while that may turn out to be a step too far for them, progressing from the group and challenging the latter stages of the competition will undoubtedly be the aim in North America.
Egypt
Egypt are appearing at only their fourth World Cup in their history and they sealed qualification for the 2026 edition in impressive style, winning all 10 of their games in qualification with only two goals conceded, finishing five points ahead of Burkina Faso in CAF Qualification Group A.
That impressive defence is the bedrock of their success but they also have two of the Premier League's most dangerous forwards in their ranks in the form of Mohamed Salah - who will have departed Liverpool by the time the World Cup kicks off - and Omar Marmoush of Man City.
It is the sort of attacking quality that perhaps only Belgium can really match in this group and that is why they are fancied ahead of Iran and New Zealand in the qualification odds for Group G.
Iran
Iran will arrive at the 2026 World Cup as experienced operators in this tournament, with this their fourth finals in a row and seventh overall. Despite that, they are yet to reach the knockout stages but the expanded format this time around may give them their best-ever shot at doing just that.
It was an impressive qualification campaign for Team Melli, losing just one of their 16 games and are another who will bank on being tough to beat in Group G under head coach Amir Ghalenoei.
Mehdi Taremi remains their captain and key man up front with 56 international goals to his name, with Saman Ghoddos tasked with providing the creative spark in a team which is slightly lacking in attacking quality.
New Zealand
New Zealand go into their third-ever World Cup undoubtedly as outsiders in Group G but they have been given more than a chance of qualification for the knockout stages for the first time.
The All Whites went unbeaten in their last World Cup appearance in 2010 and will hope to spring a shock for their more experienced opponents in a team that is built around the goals of Chris Wood, who will come into the tournament in good form after returning from injury to play a role in Nottingham Forest's late-season revival to avoid relegation.
Tyler Bindon and Marko Stamenic will be known to Championship fans after featuring for Sheffield United and Swansea respectively this season, while winger Elijah Just has attracted interest from Celtic and Rangers with his performances for Motherwell.
2026 World Cup: Group G odds & favourites
Belgium go in as the clear favourites to top Group G at 4/11 with qualification almost nailed on at 1/100.
Egypt are next up at 11/2 to win the group, while they are odds-on to qualify at 1/3. They are fancied just ahead of Iran by the bookies, who are 11/2 to finish Group G on top and 4/9 to reach the knockout stages.
New Zealand are the outsiders to finish top at 20/1, while qualification at 6/5 is certainly not out of the question, though the most likely route to do that looks to be as one of the best third-place finishers.
Belgium should have no problems topping their group despite some potentially tricky encounters, leaving it as a straight shootout between Egypt and Iran to take second spot.
We are tipping Egypt in that race, but Iran could still sneak through as a third-placed team. It looks a tough task for New Zealand to avoid propping up Group G, but just one surprise result could turn that prediction on its head.
What is the first game at the 2026 World Cup?
The first match at the 2026 World Cup comes from Group A, as Mexico play South Africa on Thursday, 11 June, with kick-off at 20:00 BST.
Can I bet on Group G at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, customers can bet on who they think will win Group G at the World Cup, with Belgium clear favourites.
Can I bet on the 2026 World Cup?
Ladbrokes is giving customers the chance to bet on who they think will win the 2026 World Cup, with France the current favourites.
