You can only place this bet on Betfred. Sign up using the link below, bet £10 to get £50 in Free Bets 👇

Group G Preview

Group G contains a mix of teams from different regions, with Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand drawn together. On paper, it looks like one of the weaker groups, and Belgium are favourites to top it. However, the Red Devils are still adjusting to a new manager, with Rudi Garcia only appointed in January after replacing Domenico Tedesco, so there is still a sense that this side is adapting.

Egypt haven’t got much experience in the World Cup, and they were eliminated from the group stages in their last appearance in 2018. However, they can pose a threat going forward, with the likes of Omar Marmoush, Trezeguet, and of course, Mo Salah.

Iran have a bit more experience in this competition than Egypt, and they have qualified for each of the last three editions, but they all ended in disappointment, with Iran eliminated in the group stages. It's uncertain whether their political situation will affect their performances on the pitch, and Iran is unlikely to have many fans in the United States.

Featuring in their first World Cup since 2010, New Zealand are the underdogs in the group, and they will hope to cause a massive upset by qualifying for the knockouts.

More Group Previews

🇧🇪 Belgium

Kevin De Bruyne has struggled this season with a hamstring injury, while his teammate Romelu Lukaku has also missed a significant part of the campaign with an injury setback. Lukaku has returned to the first-team picture for Napoli, but was left out of the Belgium squad by Rudi Garcia for the March friendlies. It’s uncertain whether 34-year-old De Bruyne will play much of a role, either. 

However, Courtois looks set for a return in between the sticks, after declaring himself unavailable for the national side after falling out with Tedesco. Jeremy Doku is another player expected to play a big role at the World Cup, after his impressive World Cup qualifying performances. He bagged five goals and two assists in his eight starts.

Read full analysis.

🇪🇬 Egypt

Egypt were eliminated by Senegal in the AFCON semi-finals, as Sadio Mane scored the only goal of the game. The Pharaohs then went on to suffer another defeat against Nigeria in their next game, meaning a fourth-place finish in the competition.

Egypt can be a stubborn defensive unit, and they opted for quite pragmatic tactics throughout the tournament, preferring to play on the counter. Hossam Hassan is likely to go with similar tactics at the World Cup, and their matchday three clash against Iran could be a big one.

Egypt were comfortable throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign, registering eight wins and two draws from their ten matches. They scored 20 goals in that time, and conceded just two in return.

Read full analysis.

🇮🇷 Iran

Iran also breezed through their qualifying campaign, although they weren’t able to see out a flawless record, as they were beaten by Qatar. However, qualification for the World Cup was already secured by then.

Mehdi Taremi looks set to lead his side as the captain - the 33-year-old contributed five goals and four assists in his nine appearances during the qualifiers. Iran aren’t exactly renowned for their progressive approach, and they are likely to go with a 5-4-1 formation, hoping to keep things tight in central areas.

Iran do have some experienced campaigners in their ranks, like Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Saman Ghoddos, who continue to play a massive role for their national team.

Read full analysis.

🇳🇿 New Zealand

The most recognisable name in New Zealand’s ranks is, of course, Chris Wood, but the Nottingham Forest man has had to deal with a five-month injury layoff this season and has only recently returned to the field. The 33-year-old is unlikely to be on top form, which means New Zealand are likely to struggle to convert their chances. Ben Waine, who currently plays for Port Vale, could have a big role in forward areas.

The Kiwis lost against both Ecuador and Colombia during the November international break, and they played two European sides in the October break before that. New Zealand drew against Norway, who were missing Erling Haaland, after losing 1-0 against Poland.

Read full analysis.

🔮 What is Andy's Bet Club and how does it work for World Cup 2026 tips?

Keep up with Andy's Tips, including World Cup Predictions and World Cup 2026 Free Bet Offers, on Andy's Bet Club.

There will be Daily Free Football Tips available, as well as Football Predictions, Bet Builder Stats and Accumulator Stats.

For World Cup outright betting, check out our World Cup Players to Watch Tips, World Cup Golden Boot Tips and World Cup Outright Winner Tips.

Team Previews

Best Free Bets, Offers & Betting Sites for World Cup 2026

The World Cup is the best time to create a new bookmaker account because the Bookmaker Offers are much better. Andy and the Andy's Bet Club experts have tried and tested the Free Bets and here's their favourites:

bet365 World Cup Free Bets

Paddy Power World Cup Free Bets

Betfair World Cup Free Bets

Sky Bet World Cup Free Bets

Betfred World Cup Free Bets

Boylesports World Cup Free Bets

* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.