World Cup Group G permutations: What do Belgium, Egypt need to qualify?

Everything is still to play for in Group G for Belgium and Egypt, with qualification for the World Cup knockouts still on the line in their next two games.

The two nations are both level on one point having faced each other, while Iran and New Zealand also played out a stalemate against each other, meaning nothing has been decided after the opening matchweek of the group.

Below, we run through the Group G permutations for each nation, as all four teams prepare for their second fixtures of the 2026 World Cup on Sunday and Monday.

What Belgium need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Belgium currently sit in third having played out a 1-1 draw with Egypt, and all four teams in the group have a goal difference of zero.

Three third-placed teams will qualify for the knockout stage of the World Cup, so the Red Devils do not necessarily need to win both of their remaining games to qualify as one win would guarantee a top-three finish because tiebreakers at the World Cup are first based on H2H record.

A win against either Iran or New Zealand would make certain that Belgium would finish above them, but four points will secure a top-two spot and progression into the round of 32.

What Egypt need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Egypt are fourth but their situation is exactly the same as Belgium having drawn 1-1 with them, meaning a victory guarantees top three, and four points guarantees top two.

The situation becomes more complicated should every nation end on three points, as no side would win on H2H record, while goal difference would also be the same.

If placements cannot be decided by either H2H records or goal difference, then the next deciding factor would be goals scored, an area they currently trail New Zealand and Iran by given they have both scored two goals so far at the World Cup.

What Iran need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Iran come into gameweek 2 in second place above Belgium and Egypt as they scored twice in their 2-2 draw with New Zealand.

Nevertheless, four points guarantees their progression into the knockouts and three would secure third place at the very least.

The slim advantage that Iran have in terms of goals scored could be wiped by the end of gameweek three, so relying on that tiebreaker would be risky.

What New Zealand need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Much like how Egypt are in the same position as Belgium, first-placed New Zealand are in exactly the same boat as Iran because of their 2-2 draw.

The Kiwis will first play Egypt and then Belgium, and three points would likely be enough to advance into the knockouts, though four would make certain of a top-two finish.

Group G is arguably the most unpredictable, and gameweek two is certain to have significant ramifications on qualification and elimination.