- New Zealand and Belgium both have one point from one game in FIFA World Cup Group G 2026 with the Kiwis topping the group and the Belgians in third.
- Dodi Lukebakio has scored 4 goals in Belgium's last 5 games and should get chances against New Zealand's defensive setup.
Patience vs pragmatism at BC Place
New Zealand and Belgium meet at BC Place, Canada, in what promises to be a battle of patience versus pragmatism on Saturday. The Kiwis earned an excellent point on the road when they drew 2-2 against Iran in their Group G opener. The All Whites then faced Belgium but Darren Bazeley's disciplined, pragmatic set up and determination not to lose should prevent them from being overrun by the group favourites. Belgium drew 1-1 at home to a very well-drilled Egypt side in their Group G opening game, following wins over Croatia (2-0) and Tunisia (5-0) in friendlies played earlier this year. They are a very cohesive unit and have a potent and fluid attacking line.
Belgium boast superior depth and drive
Belgium will win this match, but not as emphatically as they might have hoped a few years ago because New Zealand are a good team and have improved since Bazeley took charge in July 2024. The All Whites are a disciplined, defensive side that will play a compact, risk-averse low block, rely on set pieces and release Elijah Just, their main forward, to play direct football.
The odds of 1.24 for a Belgium win are very short and reflect the gulf in squad depth between the two sides as much as the gap in form - Belgium are currently unbeaten in 5. The best angle for this game looks to be the 'Both teams to score - No' market at 1.57.
Belgium's evergreen striker, on the scoresheet in Group G, is always a handful for defenders. It is worth noting that New Zealand are conservative and will get on the ball at times.
Rudi Garcia has given Belgium fresh momentum
Rudi Garcia has added fresh momentum to the Belgian side since taking charge in January 2025, bringing in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system that includes the ability to change the shape fluidly during games. His philosophy is to play high-tempo football, control possession with some intelligent players, play wide and press intelligently when out of possession.
But when Belgium face a patient, defensive New Zealand side, their high-tempo, possession-dominant style will create many chances. And New Zealand will sit back and wait - for Belgium to make a mistake.
New Zealand have won 1, drawn 1 and lost 3 of their last 5 in all competitions so, while they have potential to cause a surprise, a Belgium victory is the most likely outcome.
