2026 World Cup: New Zealand vs. Belgium, Probable Lineups

The third and final matchday of Group G will take place on the night of June 26–27. New Zealand faces a tough challenge against a Belgian team that has, so far, fallen well short of expectations. The second matchday of the group stage once again highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the New Zealand team. Against Egypt, Darren Bazeley’s squad managed to take the lead thanks to Surman, but in the second half they were overtaken by their opponents—led by an extraordinary Salah—and suffered a 3-1 defeat.

This is a scenario we’ve already seen in their opener against Iran, when New Zealand allowed their opponents to come back and tie the game at 2-2 after initially appearing to be in control. The team shows quality and organization for long stretches but struggles to maintain intensity and concentration for the full ninety minutes.

For the final group stage match, the head coach is expected to stick with the tried-and-true 4-2-3-1 formation, with Wood as the focal point of the attack, supported by McCowatt, Singh, and Just. In midfield, Bell and Stamenic will start, while Surman and Boxall will lead the defense. Belgium, too, heads into this decisive match with more questions than answers. After a 1-1 draw against Egypt, Rudi Garcia’s team could only manage a 0-0 draw against Iran, managing to avoid defeat despite playing more than half an hour with one fewer player.

These two draws have complicated the Belgians’ path; they are now forced to win to avoid a shocking elimination. Thibaut Courtois led the charge, defending the team’s performance while admitting his disappointment with the results. Garcia is expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Courtois in goal and a back four of Meunier, Mechele, Theate, and De Cuyper, while in midfield, Vanaken is the favorite to partner Tielemans. In the attacking midfield, Doku, De Bruyne, and Trossard will play behind Lukaku.

Probable Lineups

New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood. Head Coach: Bazeley.

Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Meunier, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Tielemans; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku. Head coach: Rudi Garcia.