Belgium arrive at BC Place in Vancouver on June 26 knowing a point secures their passage into the knockout rounds from Group G, while New Zealand must win to have any realistic chance of advancing. Belgium sit third with two points after draws against Egypt and Iran; New Zealand are fourth with one point following a draw with Iran and a 3-1 defeat to Egypt. The New Zealand vs Belgium World Cup 2026 predictions market has Belgium as dominant favorites at -450.
Belgium’s two scoreless or near-scoreless performances mask a squad loaded with Premier League and Champions League regulars. Kevin De Bruyne (34, Napoli) and Romelu Lukaku (33, Napoli) remain central to everything Rudi Garcia’s side attempt going forward, yet the Red Devils have managed just one goal in 180 minutes of World Cup football so far. New Zealand, by contrast, have shown more attacking intent than expected, scoring three times across their two games, including a 2-2 draw with Iran that demonstrated some resilience under pressure.
