- New Zealand and Belgium each have 1 point from 1 game in FIFA World Cup Group G 2026, with the Oceania side top of the group and Belgium third on goal differential.
- Belgium are unbeaten in 5 (W3, D2) and have a solid away record (W2, D1).
- New Zealand won only 1 of their last 5 matches in all competitions (W1, D1, L3).
Belgium have the squad depth and experience to defeat Kiwis
New Zealand and Belgium will face off in what is a classic game of patience vs pragmatism at BC Place in Vancouver on Saturday. As part of our New Zealand vs Belgium preview, it is expected that New Zealand will likely set up with a low block, play their direct, patient game, and trust their solid defence and set-piece team to hold out until they can strike on the counter-attack. Belgium, on the other hand, will play at a high tempo, dictate possession, play through the wings, and press in waves in order to create goal scoring opportunities.
New Zealand's Darren Bazeley was appointed head coach in July 2024 and has implemented a defensive, pragmatic style of soccer that has seen the Kiwis earn a point away to Iran in their opening Group G fixture. They will be looking to repeat that performance against a much superior Belgium side.
Elijah Just is New Zealand's best bet to score with 2 goals in the opening game and 3 of the team's last 6 goals in all competitions. By looking at the New Zealand vs Belgium prediction, Chris Wood has also been a threat from deep, providing 2 assists in the 2-2 draw with Iran. Romelu Lukaku will spearhead Belgium's attack and is always a handful for the opposing defenders, even at the beginning of a World Cup campaign. He has 1 goal in 1 Group G game and will be keen for more.
Rudi Garcia has implemented a flexible and attacking style on the Red Devils
Dodi Lukebakio has been in red-hot form for Belgium, scoring 4 goals in their last 5 games and contributing to a dynamic attacking force, which includes other players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Leander Dendoncker, Leandro Trossard and Lukas Nmecha.
Belgium opened their Group G campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Egypt, a decent result. Before that, Rudi Garcia had overseen dominant friendly wins over Croatia (2-0 away) and Tunisia (5-0 at home) since taking over the reigns in January 2025.
This New Zealand vs Belgium prediction suggests Belgium should have enough quality, possession, and control to break through New Zealand's defensive line and find the net more than once. Moreover, the New Zealand vs Belgium betting tips highlight that Belgium should also get a few chances to break and can get on the scoresheet but it is more likely that they will not.
The 'Both teams to score - No' market at 1.57 looks best for this fixture as Belgium's control and New Zealand's pragmatism should both be factors. Belgium are 1.24 to win and that seems more than fair considering the quality of their squad and their recent form.
