Iran and Egypt both enter the tournament with experienced squads and proven international stars, while New Zealand hopes to prove it can compete against higher-ranked opposition. With Belgium facing Egypt in the opening round, the group could begin taking shape from the very first matchday.
Belgium
Belgium enters the tournament as the highest-ranked team in Group G, but the country’s celebrated Golden Generation is no longer at its peak. After reaching the semifinals in 2018, Belgium suffered a disappointing group-stage exit in 2022 and now finds itself balancing experienced veterans with emerging talent.
Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois remain the leaders of the squad, while younger players such as Jérémy Doku represent the future. Belgium still possesses enough quality to top the group, but questions remain about whether this team can match the level of previous generations.
FIFA World Ranking: 9th
ESPN Prediction: 1816 Elo Rating (12th), 88% chance of advancing
Egypt
Egypt enters the World Cup with one of the tournament’s biggest stars in Mohamed Salah. Even in the later stages of his career, Salah remains the focal point of the Egyptian attack and the player most capable of changing a match on his own.
Under head coach Hossam Hassan, Egypt has embraced a pragmatic approach built around defensive discipline and quick transitions. The key question is whether the squad can generate enough creativity beyond Salah and Omar Marmoush against stronger opposition.
FIFA World Ranking: 29th
ESPN Prediction: 1632 Elo Rating (35th), 67% chance of advancing
Iran
Iran arrives as one of Asia’s most consistent World Cup participants and arguably the strongest challenger to Belgium. The Iranians have qualified for multiple consecutive World Cups but are still searching for their first appearance in the knockout stage.
Led by striker Mehdi Taremi and veteran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, Iran relies on defensive organization, physical play, and efficient counterattacks.
FIFA World Ranking: 20th
ESPN Prediction: 1757 Elo Rating (19th), 74% chance of advancing
New Zealand
New Zealand enters the tournament as the lowest-ranked team in the group but should not be completely overlooked. The All Whites have a history of making life difficult for opponents, famously going unbeaten at the 2010 World Cup despite failing to advance.
Led by veteran striker Chris Wood, New Zealand relies on direct football, physicality, and aerial strength. While qualification remains a difficult challenge, the expanded 48-team format gives the Oceania representative a better opportunity to compete than in previous tournaments.
FIFA World Ranking: 85th
ESPN Prediction: 1599 Elo Rating (39th), 41% chance of advancing
Who Advances?
Belgium remains the favorite to top the group, while Egypt and Iran appear set for a closely contested battle for second place. Although ESPN’s model gives Iran a slight edge, Egypt’s attacking talent led by Mohamed Salah could prove decisive in a group where the margins are expected to be small.
Projected Finish
- Belgium
- Egypt
- Iran
- New Zealand
