World Cup 2026 Group G: Draws galore; Iran one win away from qualification

Group G remains the most finely balanced group at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Belgium and Iran played out a goalless draw in Los Angeles. In the fourth Group G game Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1 to go at the top of the table.

 

Belgium were forced to settle for a point despite entering the match as favourites, while Iran produced a disciplined display to remain firmly in contention for qualification.

 

Group G standings after New Zealand vs Egypt on June 22. 

Rank	Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	Egypt	2	1	1	0	4	2	2	4
2	Iran	2	0	2	0	2	2	0	2
3	Belgium	2	0	2	0	1	1	0	2
4	New Zealand	2	0	1	1	3	5	-2	1

 

 

Egypt: In Control of Their Destiny

 

Egypt have put themselves in a strong position after following up a draw against Belgium with a 3-1 victory over New Zealand.

 

The Pharaohs head into their final game against Iran knowing that a win would guarantee qualification and secure top spot in Group G with seven points.

 

A draw would take Egypt to five points and should also be enough to send them through, while even a defeat could leave them in contention depending on the Belgium-New Zealand result and goal difference.

  Belgium: Qualification Still Within Reach

 

Despite drawing both their opening matches and being held to a goalless stalemate by Iran, Belgium remain firmly in contention.

 

The Red Devils know that victory over New Zealand in their final group game would take them to five points. However, their fate will also depend on the outcome of the Egypt-Iran clash. If Iran defeat Egypt, Belgium could still finish third and would likely need to rely on goal difference and the ranking of third-placed teams.

 

Another draw against New Zealand would leave Belgium on three points and facing a difficult wait to discover whether that is enough to advance.

 

Iran: One Win Could Seal Progress

 

Iran have quietly assembled two resilient performances, drawing with New Zealand and Belgium to remain unbeaten.

 

A victory over Egypt in their final group match would move Team Melli to five points and almost certainly secure a place in the Round of 32. A draw would leave Iran on three points, with qualification then depending on whether Belgium beat New Zealand.

 

Having avoided defeat in their first two outings, Iran have given themselves an excellent chance of progressing.

 

New Zealand: Still Alive but Facing a Tough Task

 

New Zealand's campaign began with a 2-2 draw against Iran before a 3-1 defeat to Egypt left the All Whites bottom of the group with one point.

 

The equation is simple for Darren Bazeley's side: they must beat Belgium in their final match to reach four points and keep alive hopes of advancing, either as a top-two side or one of the best third-placed teams.

 

Anything less than a win would eliminate New Zealand.

 

Can Any Team Qualify Before the Final Matchday?

 

No. With all four teams having completed two matches, no side has mathematically secured progression yet.

 

However:

• Egypt will qualify with a win over Iran and are highly likely to progress with a draw.
• Iran can book their place in the Round of 32 with a victory against Egypt.
• Belgium must beat New Zealand and hope the Egypt-Iran result works in their favour.
• New Zealand need to defeat Belgium to have any realistic chance of advancing.

Remaining Group G Fixtures
Date	Match	Time (IST)
26-06-2026	New Zealand vs Belgium	23:30:00
26-06-2026	Egypt vs Iran	23:30:00

  Group G Remains Wide Open

 

Unlike several other groups where favourites have already begun separating themselves from the pack, Group G remains impossible to predict. With Belgium yet to win, Iran unbeaten, and both New Zealand and Egypt still capable of moving to four points, qualification may not be decided until the final whistle of the last group-stage matches on June 26.

 

The battle for the Round of 32 is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic races of the tournament.