All Whites Draw Belgium, Egypt, and Iran for 2026 World Cup

The New Zealand national football team, known as the All Whites, will compete against Belgium, Egypt, and Iran in Group G of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team was the last of the 48 participants to be drawn during a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., on October 14, 2023. Coach Darren Bazeley expressed satisfaction with the draw, which sets the stage for a challenging tournament.

The All Whites, currently ranked 86th in the world, will open their World Cup campaign against Iran, ranked 20th, on June 16, 2026. This match will take place in either Los Angeles or Seattle. Following that, they will face Egypt on June 22, again in Los Angeles or Vancouver, before concluding their group stage with a highly anticipated match against Belgium, who are currently ranked 8th in the world, on June 27 in Seattle or Vancouver.

Group G Matchups and Venue Details

The All Whites’ inclusion in Group G creates a competitive landscape with a mix of styles and footballing prowess. Belgium, known for its strong squad, will provide a significant challenge, while Egypt brings its own flair, led by key players who have made a mark in international football.

The venues for the matches will be confirmed on October 15, 2023, but fans can anticipate a vibrant atmosphere in North America, where the World Cup will be hosted across various cities.

Overview of the World Cup Groups

The World Cup features a total of 12 groups, with teams from around the globe vying for football’s most prestigious trophy. Here is a brief overview of the other groups:

– **Group A**: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Denmark/North Macedonia/Czechia/Republic of Ireland
– **Group B**: Canada, Qatar, Switzerland, Italy/Northern Ireland/Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina
– **Group C**: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
– **Group D**: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Slovakia/Kosovo/Turkey/Romania
– **Group E**: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
– **Group F**: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Ukraine/Sweden/Poland/Albania
– **Group H**: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
– **Group I**: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq/Bolivia/Suriname
– **Group J**: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
– **Group K**: Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, DR Congo/Jamaica, New Caledonia
– **Group L**: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

The All Whites will aim to leverage their determination and team spirit as they prepare for these crucial matches. As the tournament approaches, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how New Zealand performs against some of the world’s top teams.