Belgium have underwhelmed through two matches, but a favorable matchup against New Zealand gives them the perfect opportunity to remind everyone why they entered the tournament as heavy Group G favorites.
The Red Devils have taken just two points from draws against Egypt and Iran, leaving little margin for error in their final group-stage match. My Belgium vs. New Zealand predictions explain why I expect Belgium to finally deliver the statement performance they've been missing.
Read on for my World Cup picks for Friday, June 26.
TOP PICK
Who will win Belgium vs New Zealand: Belgium -2.5 (+119)
Belgium have scored just one goal in their first two World Cup matches, but that hardly reflects the attacking talent at their disposal. Nor does it do justice to the numbers they posted in those games.
Belgium registered 15 shots against Egypt, although only three were on target, and followed that up with 23 attempts against Iraq, seven of which tested the goalkeeper. To say they were wasteful would be a massive understatement.
Given the quality in their squad, however, that could easily change on a better day, especially against an opponent that cannot match their pedigree. New Zealand have played with courage and determination and deserves plenty of credit for their performances at this World Cup. Even so, it is difficult to see them standing in the way of Belgium's bid to reach the knockout stage.
Belgium may not have hit top form at the tournament so far, but their recent results suggest there are goals in this team. They warmed up for the World Cup with a 5-0 victory over Tunisia in June and also claimed an impressive 5-2 win against the United States in March.
Playable to +100.
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Belgium vs New Zealand Over/Under pick: Over 3.5 (+109)
Belgium have scored over 3.5 goals in five of their last nine competitive matches. They particularly enjoyed facing weaker opposition during the qualifiers, scoring seven goals against Kazakhstan across two meetings, eight against Wales, and 13 against Liechtenstein.
Belgium supporters will hope their first two World Cup outings were simply part of the adjustment process, as Rudi Garcia's men are expected to take full advantage of a favourable matchup against New Zealand in Vancouver on Friday night.
New Zealand's attacking threat should not be overlooked, either. They have scored at least two goals in five of their last six competitive matches, suggesting they are capable of contributing to the scoreline.
With Belgium needing a win and New Zealand showing they can find the net, this matchup has all the ingredients for a high-scoring affair. I'll gladly take Kalshi's return of 122.
Playable to +100.
Belgium vs New Zealand goal scorer pick: Kevin De Bruyne (+170)
Kevin De Bruyne has recorded at least two shots in each of his last seven competitive appearances for Belgium. He also managed to register at least one shot on target in every one of those matches.
In each of his last three outings, De Bruyne has attempted at least four shots as he continues to shoulder responsibility as Belgium's undisputed leader. I expect him to be heavily involved once again, and I'm backing him to get on the scoresheet for the first time at the 2026 World Cup when Belgium take on New Zealand.
See who will have the best opportunities to score goals in our World Cup set-piece takers guide.
Belgium vs New Zealand projected lineup
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois, Meunier, Winter, Mechele, Cuyper, Tielemans, Raskin, Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Trossard, Lukaku.
New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe, Payne, Boxall, Surman, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood.
Belgium vs New Zealand injuries
Belgium: Zeno Debast (Questionable), Nathan Ngoy (Out), Jeremy Doku (Questionable).
New Zealand: No injuries to report.
Belgium vs New Zealand weather
The weather will not be a factor as this game will be played inside a dome.
Belgium vs New Zealand odds today
| Belgium | New Zealand | |
|---|---|---|
| -525 | Moneyline | +1329 |
| +723 | Draw | +723 |
| Over 3.5 (+122) | Total | Under 2.5 (+117) |
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
How to watch Belgium vs New Zealand
Check out FIFA's official 2026 World Cup website for more information.
| Location | BC Place, Vancouver, BC |
| Date | Friday, June 26, 2026 |
| Time | 11 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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