Group G has a structure of “the strong teams lead, the other three chase.” Belgium, ranked 8th in the FIFA rankings, are clearly ahead of Iran (21st), Egypt (35th), and New Zealand (83rd). However, the group is not a one-way setup, and the race for second place is the one to watch.
In their last five matches, Belgium have produced big wins including 5-2, 7-0, and 4-2, with their attacking firepower the most consistent—though they also had a 1-1 draw. Iran in their last five matches recorded a 5-0 win, but also a 1-2 defeat and two 0-0 draws, showing bigger swings. Egypt in their last five matches included 0-0, 4-0, and a 0-1, combining defensive toughness with stability.
New Zealand, ranked 83rd in the FIFA rankings, is the weakest link in the group, but in their last five matches they still managed a 4-1 win over Chile, leaving room for an upset. On matchday one, Belgium vs Egypt, and on matchday two, Iran vs New Zealand, and on matchday three, Egypt vs Iran, will all directly affect the qualification picture.
The variable that will determine the direction of Group G is whether Iran and Egypt can keep pressure on Belgium before they face each other directly, and turn their matches against New Zealand into a sufficient net-goal advantage.