New Zealand
- New Zealand and Belgium both have one point from one game in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Kiwis topping the section ahead of the Red Devils in third place on goal difference after a battling 2-2 draw away to Iran in their opening clash.
- Darren Bazeley took over the New Zealand job in July 2024 and seems to have made a significant impact on the team, instilling a pragmatic and disciplined approach which has made them extremely tough to beat.
Belgium
- Belgium are unbeaten in their last 5 matches, in all competitions, winning 3 and drawing 2.
- Belgium drew their Group G opener at home to Egypt 1-1, but had dominated in friendlies prior to the World Cup, beating Croatia 2-0 away and Tunisia 5-0 at home.
- Rudi Garcia was appointed as Belgium's head coach in January 2025 and he has brought tactical flexibility and a high-tempo attacking philosophy to the national side.
- They tend to play a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, using selective pressing, dynamic wide play, and quick vertical transitions to dominate possession and create chances.
Key Players
New Zealand set up with a compact, disciplined low block, are very disciplined defensively, good from set pieces and can be dangerous in attack with a focal point in Chris Wood, who was a real outlet in the draw away to Iran, providing 2 assists.
Betting Insights
Belgium's depth and quality should eventually see them win this game, but the odds available on the Red Devils to get the win of 1.24 seems very tight.
Prediction
The most probable result is still a Belgium win, but the 'Both teams to score - No' market, at 1.57 , is probably the one to choose here, as Belgium will dominate possession and dictate play while New Zealand will sit deep and try to stay compact.
