New Delhi, June 27 -- New Zealand will face Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group G match. Darren Bazeley's New Zealand, anchored by the experienced Chris Wood and a compact, hardworking unit, will face Rudi Garcia's star-studded Belgium side that boasts the creativity of Kevin De Bruyne, the finishing of Romelu Lukaku. On paper it looks like a mismatch, but New Zealand's set-piece threat and team spirit could make life uncomfortable.

New Zealand and Belgium have crossed paths just once in men's international football. Their only encounter came during the 2008 Olympic Games men's football tournament, where Belgium edged a 1-0 victory. As a result, the Red Devils hold a flawless head-to-head record against the All Whites, with one win,...