World Cup 2026: New Zealand vs Belgium Tips, Odds & Prediction

Odds provided by Betista

New Zealand continues their search for an inaugural World Cup victory on Saturday, June 27 at 3pm NZST, coming up against a Belgian team coming off back to back draws against Egypt and Iran. Both teams’ fortunes will be dictated to an extent by the other Group G game taking place at the same time, but for each of them, a win will likely secure them a spot in the Round of 32 while a loss will see hem sent packing.  

New Zealand

The Kiwis have been agonizingly close to securing their first ever World Cup win this tournament, leading on three consecutive occasions across their two games but failing to close out on either occasion. They were excellent in the first half against the more highly fancied Egypt in their last outing, heading into the break with a 1-0 lead, but their defensive issues were exposed in the second half when they conceded three goals. They’ve shown an ability to find the back of the net, but keeping their opposition off the scoresheet has proven difficult and against a Belgian team with plenty of firepower, they’ll need to be a lot better defensively to get the result they’re after.

Team news: Matt Garbett has unfortunately been ruled out for the duration of the World Cup following a hamstring injury, but there are no fresh injuries or suspensions to come out of the Kiwis second game.

Predicted lineup: Crocombe; Cacace, Surman, Boxall, Payne; Just, Stamenic, Bell, Singh; McCowatt, Wood

Belgium

Belgium have been disappointing so far in this World Cup, picking up two draws against teams they were fancied to beat. Their second was particularly disappointing; they dominated with 68% of possession and more than 20 shots against Iran but were unable to find the scoresheet, and now find themselves in an awkward spot in Group G. They’re level on points with Iran meaning their fortunes could be significantly changed by the result in their game against Egypt, but to their minds the equation will be simple; win, jump up to 5 points and guarantee a top two spot in the group. A draw may be enough, but with the offensive firepower they boast and against an All Whites team which has demonstrated a pretty leaky defence, they’ll be backing themselves to score multiple goals for the first time this tournament.

Team news: Jeremy Doku missed the Iran clash with a respiratory issue, but is expected to be available for this game.

Predicted lineup: Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, Castagne; Onana, Tielemans, De Bruyne, Doku; De Katelare, Lukaku

New Zealand and Belgium have never met internationally, but below are some other relevant stats and trends for these two teams.

• Though New Zealand haven’t ever won a World Cup game, they’ve proven difficult to beat; their loss to Egypt broke a spell of four consecutive draws at the event.
• After their two draws so far this tournament, Belgium has not been defeated for 16 consecutive games harking back to late 2024.
• New Zealand have conceded a goal in 11 consecutive matches, and multiple goals in seven of those

There is plenty riding on this game for both teams, and though they currently occupy the bottom two sides in their group they each retain a great opportunity to advance. But it’s one-way traffic when it comes to World Cup 2026 odds, with Belgium the raging hot favourite to win this one, and potentially comfortably. New Zealand have had their moments at this tournament and Belgium can’t afford to take things likely, but with the likes of De Bruyne running the show in the midfield and Lukaku up front, Belgium should be able to find the back of the net multiple times in this game.

Over 2.5 Goals (1.52)

Belgium could very well pass this number themselves given that New Zealand have already conceded 5 goals in two games against teams with less offensive weapons, but the Kiwis are also more than capable of adding to this number themselves. Don’t be surprised to see both sides finding the scoresheet and a final score of something like Belgium 3, New Zealand 1.