Belgium finally chasing a win: New Zealand in a decider

In the final Group G match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Belgium seek redemption against New Zealand after a poor start to the tournament. At BC Place in Vancouver, a win is needed to secure a place in the round of 32. For the Red Devils, currently third in the group after hugely underwhelming draws with Egypt and Iran, three points against the All Whites would send the team through. A draw could be enough depending on the Egypt-Iran result, while a defeat almost certainly means elimination.

New Zealand, meanwhile, have a bigger mountain to climb to reach the knockout phase for the first time; for a side that collected just one point from its first two matches, anything but a win will send the Oceania Football Confederation's sole representative home. Even a win may not be enough to secure a top-two finish; but it would all but confirm progression in third place at the very least.

Realistically, Belgium should finally secure their first win of the tournament and advance. But Rudi Garcia's side have not earned the faith of supporters with two tepid displays so far. Belgium's attack has been particularly disappointing; not a single member of the squad has even gotten on the scoresheet yet. That is expected to change against a New Zealand defense that has been alarmingly porous against its opponents this summer. Belgium's attacking threat is serious: alongside an exceptional creator in Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans is also a capable playmaker. With Romelu Lukaku, Leandro Trossard and the returning Jérémy Doku, Belgium have the firepower to overcome New Zealand.

For New Zealand, no changes are expected since Darren Bazeley has fielded the same XI in both tournament matches. Tim Payne, who registered an assist against Egypt, continues at right-back, while the defense in front of keeper Crocombe having shipped five goals this summer is a worry. Record goalscorer Chris Wood will be on the pitch to finish any chances created. For Belgium, Arthur Theate is likely to come in for Nathan Ngoy, suspended for a red card against Iran, with Zeno Debast battling fitness issues. Doku, who briefly returned to England for the birth of his first child, is back in camp and could make an immediate return to the XI.

Starting XIs
New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Meunier, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku

Source: Sports Illustrated
Image: Sports Illustrated