New Zealand v Belgium prediction, lineups & tips: Group G finale at BC Place

Belgium arrive at BC Place in Vancouver for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G finale having done considerably less than their talent suggests. Two draws, a 1-1 against Egypt and a goalless stalemate with Iran, have left Rudi Garcia's side on two points, third in the group and in urgent need of three more to guarantee a place in the round of 32. For New Zealand, the stakes are no less serious. The All Whites sit bottom of Group G on a single point, meaning this is the biggest match in their World Cup history since the 2010 group stage, when they went home unbeaten but eliminated.

New Zealand's campaign has been one of genuine moments alongside familiar vulnerability. A 2-2 draw with Iran on matchday one, in which Elijah Just scored both goals, gave Darren Bazeley's side real cause for optimism. A 3-1 defeat to Egypt then brought them back to earth: they led, then conceded three times after the break. That fragility at the back, conceding an average of 2.5 goals per game across their two matches, is the concern Bazeley must address here.

For Belgium, the failings have come at the other end. Prior to this tournament, Garcia's side had scored seven goals in five matches in warmup fixtures, including a 5-0 win over Tunisia. At the World Cup itself, they managed just one tournament goal in their first two games, and that came via an Egyptian own goal. Their average xG of 2.25 per game flatters their finishing. Kevin De Bruyne, 34 and operating out of Napoli, remains the creative engine. The question is whether Romelu Lukaku, used off the bench against Egypt, starts here with qualification on the line.

Belgium are on a 15-match unbeaten run stretching back to March 2025, but that sequence has done little to quieten doubters. Garcia confirmed ahead of kick-off that Jeremy Doku is available but not ready to start, having only recently returned to the squad after a personal absence. "Even in his absence, we were able to create many opportunities against Iran," Garcia told Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad. "What we need tomorrow is mainly more effectiveness, composure, decisive ability to finish attacks, and determination in front of the goal."

For New Zealand, Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood leads the line. Wood provided two assists in the draw with Iran and is the focal point of everything Bazeley's side try to do going forward. Elijah Just, the Motherwell winger, has been the team's most dangerous outlet in the final third.

New Zealand v Belgium kicks off at 04:00 BST on Saturday, 27 June at BC Place, Vancouver. The match is live on BBC One in the UK, with coverage beginning at 03:50 BST. It is also available to stream via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.