Where to watch New Zealand vs Belgium live at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Belgium enters the field this Saturday against New Zealand with the obligation to win to continue in the 2026 World Cup. The decisive duel in Group G takes place at BC Place, in Vancouver, Canada, starting at midnight (Brasília time).
The Belgians have just two points after two draws and have not yet secured their place in the round of 16. A victory should classify the European team, depending on the parallel result between Egypt and Iran. New Zealand, with one point, needs an impressive result and supported by a combination of scores to dream of the first classification in history for the knockout stage.
Coach Darren Bazeley must maintain the base he has been using in the competition. The All Whites’ likely formation includes Crocombe in goal, with Payne, Boxall, Surman and Cacace in defense. In the middle, Bell and Stamenić provide balance, while McCowatt, Singh and Just support center forward Chris Wood, the main offensive reference.
On the Belgian side, the coach counts on the return of important players. The expected lineup has Courtois in goal, Meunier, Theate, Mechele and De Cuyper on the defensive line. Tielemans and another midfielder form the containment duo, with De Bruyne, Trossard and Lukebakio supporting Lukaku or De Ketelaere in command of the attack.
New Zealand midfielder Matthew Garbett remains out after a thigh injury suffered before the tournament. The absence limits the creative options of the All Whites, who rely on defensive discipline and quick counterattacks to trouble the favorite.
Belgium is under pressure for results. After draws with Egypt and Iran, the team needs to show efficiency to justify its status as one of the group’s favorites. Kevin De Bruyne, at 35 years old, is possibly experiencing his last World Cup and is the great maestro of offensive actions.
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History and context of the confrontation
This is the first official meeting between the two teams in FIFA competitions. The technical difference is evident, with Belgium occupying a much higher position in the world rankings, while New Zealand seeks to repeat the spirit of 2010, when they went undefeated in the group stage, but did not advance.
What’s at stake for each side
A Belgian victory practically guarantees qualification. A draw can leave everything open until the final whistle of the other games. For New Zealand, the objective is to make life as difficult as possible for the opponent and try to exploit spaces left by the opposing pressure.
Chris Wood and Liberato Cacace are the main danger hopes for the New Zealanders. On the other side, Romelu Lukaku and De Bruyne’s creativity represent a constant threat. The game tends to be Belgian dominance, but upsets have already happened in this World Cup.
