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Group G is as tight as they come after matchday one. Both opening fixtures finished level, leaving all four teams on a single point. Belgium were frustrated by a stubborn Egypt, while Iran and New Zealand traded blows in an entertaining 2-2 draw. Here is where the group stands and what comes next.
Belgium 1-1 Egypt: Garcia's Side Made to Work
Rudi Garcia's Belgium had to dig deep for their point at a lively Lumen Field. Egypt struck first on 20 minutes, with birthday star Mohamed Salah teeing up Emam Ashour to drill home from distance. For long spells Belgium found the going tough, restricted to blocked efforts, while Kevin De Bruyne fired their first chance wide and later struck the post with a free-kick. Thibaut Courtois also had to be alert at the other end.
The leveller arrived midway through the second half and owed plenty to substitute Romelu Lukaku's presence: under pressure from the striker, Mohamed Hany turned the ball into his own net. Belgium pushed for a winner late on — Brandon Mechele and Lukaku both went close — but had to settle for a share of the spoils. Relive it on our Belgium vs Egypt page.
Iran 2-2 New Zealand: End-to-End Entertainment
If the Seattle opener was cagey, the Group G clash at SoFi Stadium was anything but. Iran and New Zealand went toe-to-toe in a wide-open contest packed with chances. Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood was the focal point for New Zealand throughout: his early build-up helped Elijah Just open the scoring with a volley, before Ramin Rezaeian levelled for Iran. Star man Mehdi Taremi also rattled the post.
The second half followed the same script. Wood again turned provider as Just struck his second to make it 2-1, only for Iran to hit back nine minutes later, Rezaeian this time the creator with a fine cross that Mohammad Mohebi headed home. Neither side could find a winner, leaving New Zealand — the lowest-ranked team at the tournament — still chasing a first-ever World Cup victory. See the full result on our Iran vs New Zealand page.
How Group G Looks After Matchday 1
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iran | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Belgium | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Egypt | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
All four teams are locked on a point with an identical goal difference, with only goals scored separating them for now — meaning the two sides from the 2-2 thriller technically edge ahead of Belgium and Egypt. In other words, this group could hardly be more open heading into the second round.
What's Next in Group G
Belgium will be eager to turn their possession into points when they face Iran in Belgium vs Iran at SoFi Stadium — a contest the favourites will feel they must win after dropping points on day one. In Vancouver, meanwhile, New Zealand take on Egypt in New Zealand vs Egypt, with both chasing a first win to seize the initiative. With the table this level, every result will matter.
Be There for the Drama
Four teams, four points shared and everything still to play for — Group G promises plenty more twists. Browse every available fixture on our World Cup 2026 tickets page and secure your seat before the biggest games sell out.
