Group Stage
Group G
Live table plus advancement odds from 10,000 simulations.
Live table
Advancement odds
Group analysis
Belgium: Belgium (#9, 1735 ELO) are navigating the post-Golden Generation transition intelligently. De Ketelaere, Openda, and Lukebakio provide the next wave of attacking talent, and Domenico Tedesco has built a coherent structure around them; they remain Europe's most underrated qualifier.
Iran: Iran (#20, 1615 ELO) are ranked above Egypt by FIFA ranking and hold a 52-point ELO advantage at 1615. Their physically demanding 4-5-1 defensive shape suffocated England and Wales in 2022 before conceding late; in this group, that structure makes them legitimate second-place contenders.
Egypt: Egypt (#29, 1563 ELO) bring Mohamed Salah in what could be his final World Cup. Salah's individual quality is world-class, but Egypt's defensive fragility and reliance on his direct play have been exposed in tournaments; they are Iran's closest rival for the second spot.
New Zealand: New Zealand (#85, 1282 ELO) are the OFC representative and 453 ELO points below Belgium. The All Whites' qualifying campaign was exceptional for a confederation that allocates limited automatic berths; they arrive as clear underdogs but with nothing to lose.
Key match
Iran vs Egypt (June 28, Hard Rock Stadium) - the defining group stage match with 52 ELO points separating two evenly matched sides; the winner advances alongside Belgium and ends the other's tournament.
Live verdict
Belgium win Group G on 5 points (1W-2D-0L) and advance alongside runners-up Egypt (5). Iran finish third and need a top-eight third-placed finish to survive, while New Zealand are eliminated.