New Zealand vs Belgium — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 3
Venue
To be confirmed
Date
Friday, 26 June 2026
Kickoff
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026New Zealand face Belgium in Group G, a heavy mismatch on paper that the All Whites will relish. Darren Bazeley's side, led by veteran striker Chris Wood, will set up to defend deep and make life difficult.
Belgium, even in a transitional era under Rudi Garcia, still possess elite talent — Kevin De Bruyne pulling strings, Jérémy Doku's dribbling and Romelu Lukaku's power up front.
New Zealand's resilience will be tested to the limit by Belgium's quality in the final third.
Key storylines
- 01De Bruyne's creativity against a deep New Zealand block
- 02Chris Wood carrying the All Whites' goal threat
- 03Belgium chasing momentum heading into the knockouts
Prediction
Kickoff editorial call
New Zealand 0-3 Belgium
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
New Zealand
Formation 5-4-1- 1A. Paulsen
- 2T. Payne
