New Zealand vs Belgium World Cup 2026 Tips - 27 June
New Zealand vs Belgium Group G tips for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place, Vancouver. Belgium must win. Our picks with odds from SA bookmakers.
- New Zealand vs Belgium kicks off at BC Place in Vancouver at 05:00 SAST on Saturday 27 June, the final Group G fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Belgium sit third in Group G on two points after two draws and must beat New Zealand to have a realistic chance of advancing to the knockout stage.
- We are backing Belgium to win to nil, given the All Whites have conceded five goals in two group games and the Red Devils have too much firepower to keep quiet.
Belgium must win to keep their World Cup alive and New Zealand are standing in the way, but the gap in class is too wide to ignore. Rudi Garcia's Red Devils arrive at BC Place in Vancouver having drawn both group games, and they know only three points will do. We are backing Belgium to get the job done, with the goals market offering the sharpest value given how desperate this match is for the Belgians.
The Pick Card
Prices from Hollywoodbets, Betway and Easybet. 18+. T&Cs apply.
| Selection | Bookmaker | Odds | Stake | Operator CTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium to Win | Hollywoodbets | @1.28 | 2 Units | Bet here |
| Over 2.5 Goals | Betway | @1.80 | 2 Units | Bet here |
| Belgium Win to Nil | Easybet | @1.95 | 2 Units | Bet here |
The Form Line
New Zealand have been competitive without converting potential into points. Elijah Just's brace earned the All Whites a 2-2 draw against Iran on matchday one, but they were undone in the second half by Egypt three days later, losing 3-1 in Vancouver. Having conceded five goals in two matches, the defensive frailties are clear, and they enter this game already eliminated unless results go their way.
Belgium have been the tournament's biggest disappointment so far, picking up just two points from draws against Egypt (1-1) and Iran (0-0). Rudi Garcia's side had a man sent off against Iran, with defender Nathan Ngoy receiving a red card that means he is suspended here. Romelu Lukaku scored against Egypt but the team has looked laboured, and Garcia faces real pressure to deliver a result that saves their World Cup.
Head to Head
| Year | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| No previous competitive meetings between these sides. | ||
New Zealand and Belgium have never met at World Cup level before, making this a historic first encounter between the two nations on football's biggest stage. Belgium's superior FIFA ranking of ninth against New Zealand's 85th tells the full story of the gulf in pedigree, even if this tournament has not yet seen the Red Devils play anywhere near their best.
Team News
Belgium are without Nathan Ngoy through suspension after his red card against Iran, and Arthur Theate is expected to deputise in central defence. Jeremy Doku missed the Iran game through injury or illness and his availability here is uncertain, though Belgium have ample cover with Leandro Trossard and Alexis Saelemaekers in reserve. Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku are all expected to start as Garcia names his strongest available side. For New Zealand, coach Darren Bazeley has no fresh injury concerns confirmed, with striker Chris Wood leading the attack for the All Whites.
Verdict
Belgium are in a must-win situation and have far too much quality across the pitch for New Zealand to hold them. We expect the Red Devils to finally click into gear and claim three points in Vancouver, keeping a clean sheet against an All Whites side that, despite their fighting spirit, have shipped five goals in the group stage. Belgium to win to nil at @1.95 is the pick that ties the whole card together.
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