Belgium have spent two matches making Group G look harder than it should be. That should end against New Zealand.
The Red Devils entered the World Cup as clear favorites to win this group, but draws against Egypt and Iran have left them needing a statement performance to secure their place in the knockout stage.
This is the spot where I expect the talent gap to finally show. New Zealand have already conceded five goals through two matches, and Belgium still have enough attacking quality to turn sustained pressure into a lopsided result.
My Belgium vs. New Zealand predictions and World Cup picks are backing the Red Devils to stop messing around and cover a big number on 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 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
| Belgium | New Zealand | |
|---|---|---|
| -488 | Moneyline | +1567 |
| +669 | Draw | +669 |
| Over 3.5 (+127) | Total | Under 2.5 (-127) |
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, Canada |
| 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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