FIFA World Cup: All you need to know about Group G

Belgium open their tournament against Egypt. Iran brings strong recent Asian qualifying consistency. Belgium and Egypt have the history and edge to qualify

European heavyweights Belgium and African powerhouses Egypt are favorites, facing a highly disciplined Iran and Oceania kings New Zealand.

Belgium will be competing at their 15th FIFA World Cup, and their best finish was a stellar third-place run in 2018. The European nation was at the last tournament in Qatar.

New Zealand will be competing at their third World Cup, making their first tournament appearance since South Africa 2010, where they went undefeated but exited in the group stage.

Iran will be competing in their seventh World Cup, searching for their first-ever knockout berth after exiting the group stage in Qatar.

Egypt will be playing at their fourth FIFA World Cup, returning to the world stage after last appearing in Russia 2018. Their best run at the tournament was an early eighth-place equivalent finish in 1934.

The favorites to finish top two in this group are Belgium and Egypt, while Iran may qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Groups A to L feature a mix of traditional heavyweights, historic rivalries, and four tournament debutants. Under the expanded 48-team format, the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers will advance to the Round of 32.