Belgium (left) could be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup - Photo: AP
After the first two matches in Group G, Egypt is currently leading the group with 4 points. Iran and Belgium both have 2 points, sharing the next two positions. New Zealand is at the bottom of the table with 1 point.
In the final round of matches, Egypt will face Iran, while Belgium will play against New Zealand.
With their current points total, Egypt only needs a draw to qualify regardless of the result of the other match. However, Mohamed Salah and his teammates need a win to secure first place.
Meanwhile, Iran needs to beat Egypt to advance. However, a draw could also secure qualification for the Asian representatives if Belgium and New Zealand draw (a draw with a lower score than the Iran-Egypt draw).
World Cup 2026 Group G standings after the second round of group stage matches - Graphic: AN BINH
Belgium also found themselves in a situation where they had to win against New Zealand to advance. But even if they secured three points against the Oceania representatives, Belgium would still have to wait for a favorable result from the Iran vs. Egypt match.
Specifically, Belgium will advance if they beat New Zealand and Egypt does not lose to Iran. If Belgium defeats New Zealand and Egypt does not lose to Iran, then Belgium, Egypt, and Iran will all have 5 points.
In that case, the head-to-head record between Belgium, Egypt, and Iran will be taken into account to determine the first, second, and third place teams in Group G. Given this situation, the possibility of Belgium being eliminated early is entirely plausible.
In this group, New Zealand also has a chance to advance if they beat Belgium and hope Egypt defeats Iran. However, New Zealand's chances of progressing are considered much lower than those of the other teams in the group.