New Zealand vs Belgium Picks and Prediction for Friday, June 26, 2026
Use Code SSWC Belgium and New Zealand meet in a decisive Group G matchup at BC Place in Vancouver on Friday at 9:00 PM ET. Belgium enters the final group-stage match with two points after draws against Egypt and Iran, while New Zealand sits bottom of the group with one point following a draw against Iran and a loss to Egypt. Qualification remains possible for both sides, but Belgium controls its own destiny with a victory. The Red Devils were expected to challenge for first place in the group, yet they will play Matchday 3 still searching for their first win of the tournament. Cash in a winning ticket with our free World Cup picks.
New Zealand Fighting to Extend Its Tournament
New Zealand has shown plenty of determination despite entering the tournament as the lowest-ranked team in Group G. The All Whites earned a valuable 2-2 draw against Iran before suffering a 3-1 defeat to Egypt. Against Egypt, New Zealand actually opened the scoring before conceding three unanswered goals in the second half.
Chris Wood remains the focal point of the attack. The veteran striker recorded two assists against Iran and continues to be the player Belgium must account for in the penalty area. Elijah Just has also impressed, scoring twice during the tournament and providing much-needed attacking support. Through two matches, New Zealand has scored three goals despite facing stronger opposition on paper.
The concern remains at the back. New Zealand has conceded five goals through two World Cup matches and enters this contest having allowed 11 goals across its last five games. The All Whites have won only once in their last five matches and will need their strongest defensive performance of the tournament to stay alive.
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Injuries/Suspensions: No injuries or suspensions have been reported.
Belgium Still Looking for Another Gear
Belgium's tournament has been one of frustration so far. A 1-1 draw against Egypt and a scoreless draw against Iran have left the Red Devils in an uncomfortable position heading into the final group match. Despite controlling possession and carrying a deeper squad than either opponent, Belgium has managed just one goal through two matches.
Kevin De Bruyne remains the creative centerpiece of the side, while Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, and Romelu Lukaku provide plenty of attacking talent. Belgium's underlying numbers suggest better performances than the results indicate. The Red Devils are averaging 1.57 expected goals per match while allowing only 0.85 expected goals against. They have also conceded just one goal in the tournament and own an 83% save percentage.
Recent form suggests a breakthrough could be coming. Belgium is unbeaten in its last five matches, including victories over Croatia and Tunisia before the tournament. With qualification on the line and superior talent across the pitch, this is the type of match Belgium is expected to control from the opening whistle.
Injuries/Suspensions: Defender Nathan Ngoy is suspended after his red card against Iran. No other injuries or suspensions have been reported.
New Zealand vs Belgium Pick
- Belgium -0.5 (+145)
Belgium remains the clear side in this matchup. The Red Devils have been disappointing through two matches, yet they have still conceded only one goal while controlling possession at a 62% rate. New Zealand has been competitive, but the defensive issues are difficult to ignore after allowing five goals in two World Cup matches. Belgium's attacking group has underperformed relative to expectations, but De Bruyne, Doku, Trossard, and Lukaku create a significant talent advantage. With qualification potentially on the line, expect Belgium to play with urgency and finally turn territorial dominance into goals.
New Zealand vs Belgium Over/Under Pick
- Under 3.5 Goals (-175)
Belgium's matches have been extremely low scoring throughout the tournament, producing only two total goals across two games. The Red Devils are built around controlling possession and limiting opportunities rather than playing in wide-open contests. New Zealand will likely approach this match cautiously knowing that avoiding an early deficit is critical. While Belgium should create enough chances to win, their finishing has been inconsistent, and New Zealand will likely defend with numbers behind the ball. A result in the range of 2-0 or 3-0 fits the statistical profile of both teams and keeps the total under the 3.5-goal mark.
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