World Cup: Group G Preview

Belgium – The remainder of Belgium’s golden generation with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku will give it one more go at the World Cup. They finished 3rd in the 2018 tournament but suffered a group stage exit in 2022. Qualifying went pretty smoothly for them, with no losses in the last year of play for the Belgians. Lukaku’s match fitness will be a question mark, but they have so many creative tools to open defenses with De Bruyne’s passing, Trossard’s tricks, and Doku’s dribbling. Strasbourg’s Diego Moreira could be an x-factor for them off the bench. He’s versatile and bagged 10 G/A this season in France.

Player to watch: Diego Moreira
Ceiling: Semifinals

Egypt – After missing out in 2022, the Egyptians return for just their fourth tournament ever. It’s likely to be the last ride for the legendary Mohamed Salah. His attacking tandem with Omar Marmoush is probably the best duo in Africa. The 29th ranked team in the world has struggled at major tournaments but this group gives them every opportunity to advance. Real Oviedo’s Haissem Hassan showed a lot of growth this year despite suffering relegation in Spain. He could be an important link between the rest of the team and their star forwards.

Player to watch: Haissem Hassan
Ceiling: Round of 16

Iran – Drama has surrounded this team for months and it’s a relief that they will play at the World Cup as they rightfully should. The treatment they’ve received from the host nation as well as their home nation will give them a massive chip on their shoulders. They were incredible in qualifying on their way to winning group C and at #21 worldwide, they’re the second highest ranked Asian nation. Team Melli has never reached the knockout stage, but this is as good a chance as any. The Iranians will lean on Olympiakos striker Mehdi Taremi as they have for years. Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh will be another player that could have a big role for them. He’s bagged 31 goals over the last two years for Iranian powerhouse Tractor.

Player to watch: Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh
Ceiling: Round of 16

New Zealand – The All Whites had the door to the World Cup opened to them with the expanded format granting Oceania an automatic qualification spot for the first time. New Zealand made easy work of their region, winning all their games by three goals or more and dispatching New Caledonia in the final. Their record outside of Oceania has been a different story with only two wins from their last ten matches. Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood is the big name in the squad. He’ll need help from less known players like Auckland FC’s Jesse Randall (12 goals and 8 assists this season) if they want to get anything from this group.

Player to watch: Jesse Randall
Ceiling: Round of 32