World Cup 2026: Belgium vs New Zealand Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Belgium take on New Zealand at BC Place in Vancouver on Saturday morning, with kickoff at 05:00 CAT in the final round of Group G. Belgium know that a win all but guarantees their place in the Round of 32, while New Zealand must win to keep their own knockout hopes alive. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Belgium

In my opinion Belgium have been efficient rather than spectacular so far, with a draw against Egypt followed by a goalless stalemate against Iran. Kevin De Bruyne remains the creative heartbeat and Romelu Lukaku will lead the line against a defence that has already conceded five goals at this tournament. Nathan Ngoy is suspended after his red card against Iran, leaving a spot open alongside the likes of Brandon Machele . I expect Belgium to control possession and take their chances against a side that has to come forward.

Predicted Lineup: Courtois; Castagne, Meunier, Mechele, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Raskin; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku.

New Zealand

New Zealand have shown they can cause problems for opposing defences, with Elijah Just scoring twice in the opening draw against Iran before they scored first but still fell to Egypt. Chris Wood gives them a genuine focal point and they will need his hold up play if they are to trouble Thibaut Courtois. Matthew Garbett is out of the tournament with a hamstring injury, which weakens the midfield, but they have still been able to create plenty of chances. My read on this is that New Zealand will have to gamble and that leaves them exposed against Belgium quality.

Predicted Lineup: Crocombe; Payne, Boxall, Surman, Cacace; Singh, Bell,, Stamenic, Just; Wood, McCowatt.

Belgium have not hit top gear in attack but they have the defensive base and the individual quality to see this through. New Zealand will commit numbers forward out of necessity, yet I expect Belgium to manage the game and win without conceding. My forecast: Belgium 2 New Zealand 0.

BTTS: No (1.58)

I am backing BTTS: No here. New Zealand have leaned heavily on Just and Wood for their goals, and against a Belgium defence shielded by Courtois I do not see them finding the net. At 1.58 this looks the most reliable pick on the board.