Belgium faces New Zealand on June 26 in Group G at Seattle’s Lumen Field. Kickoff is 11:00 p.m. ET, and Belgium is the clear betting favorite.
Match Preview
This is Belgium’s final Group G match, and it should shape the group table. Belgium enters with more depth, more experience, and a deeper attacking pool.
New Zealand will likely approach the game with a compact block and direct play. They need discipline, because Belgium can overload central areas and punish loose marking.
The match is scheduled in Seattle, with the wider Group G schedule placing it among the West Coast fixtures. Lumen Field should create a strong tournament atmosphere. Belgium’s predicted lineup is Courtois; Meunier, Debast, Theate, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; De Ketelaere. That gives Belgium ball control, width, and creativity in the final third.
New Zealand’s likely XI is Crocombe; Cacace, Boxall, Bindon, Old; Stamenic, Bell; Just, Garbett, Singh; Wood. That setup gives them physicality, a good spine, and a clear target in Chris Wood.
Key Players to Watch
Kevin De Bruyne remains the key figure for Belgium. His passing can split defensive lines and create easy chances for runners.
Jérémy Doku adds pace and unpredictability. His dribbling can pull New Zealand’s back line out of shape.
Romelu Lukaku is another important presence, even if he starts or comes from the bench. Belgium can change the game by targeting him in the box.
For New Zealand, Chris Wood is the main attacking weapon. He is the obvious outlet for long balls, crosses, and second-ball attacks.
Marko Stamenic and Joe Bell are also important. They must protect the middle and keep Belgium from settling into constant pressure.
Head-to-Head Record
This is a rare meeting in men’s football. The history between Belgium and New Zealand is limited, but Belgium won their last listed Olympic meeting 1-0 in 2008.
Database records show only a small sample of meetings between the sides. That means the match should be shaped more by current form than historical trends.
Belgium’s deeper squad and stronger technical level still make them the more established side. New Zealand will try to keep it close for as long as possible.
Prediction & Odds
The betting market is firmly behind Belgium. ESPN lists Belgium at -330, the draw at +475, and New Zealand at +850.
Other odds boards also give Belgium a strong edge. One consensus line shows Belgium at -1.5, while New Zealand sits at +1.5. That reflects Belgium’s superior depth and attacking ceiling.
My prediction is a Belgium win. New Zealand can frustrate teams in phases, but Belgium should eventually control the match. A 2-0 result looks the most likely outcome.
How to Watch
In the United States, the game will air on FOX and FS1. FOX One and the FOX Sports App are also listed for live streaming.
In the United Kingdom, the BBC and ITV are the expected broadcasters. BBC One is specifically listed for this fixture, with BBC iPlayer and ITVX also available.
In the Arab world, beIN Sports holds the regional World Cup rights. Fans should also be able to stream through beIN’s digital platforms.
Belgium should dominate possession and territory, while New Zealand will hunt for counters and set pieces. If De Bruyne finds space early, the game could move fast.
