Belgium vs New Zealand Tips, Odds & Prediction: World Cup 2026

* Odds supplied by Betway, accurate when this preview was written.

Belgium face New Zealand at BC Place in Vancouver on Saturday morning, kicking off at 05:00 CAT in the last round of Group G games. A Belgian win would virtually lock up a Round of 32 place, whereas New Zealand have to win to stay in the hunt for the knockouts. Every one of our World Cup betting tips is waiting in our dedicated section.

Belgium

I think Belgium have been businesslike rather than exciting up to now, drawing with Egypt and then playing out a goalless game with Iran. Kevin De Bruyne is still the main creative force, and Romelu Lukaku will spearhead the attack against a back line that has already let in five goals at these finals. Nathan Ngoy serves a ban after being sent off against Iran, which opens up a place next to players such as Brandon Machele. I see Belgium dominating the ball and making their chances count against opponents who must attack.

Expected Lineup: Courtois; Castagne, Meunier, Mechele, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Raskin; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku.

New Zealand

New Zealand have proved they can unsettle defences, as Elijah Just netted twice in the opening draw with Iran, and they then went ahead against Egypt before losing. Chris Wood offers a real target up front, and they will rely on his ability to hold the ball up if they want to worry Thibaut Courtois. A hamstring injury has ruled Matthew Garbett out of the tournament, leaving the midfield weaker, though they have kept on creating a good number of chances. In my view New Zealand will be forced to take risks, and that will leave them open to Belgium's quality.

Expected Lineup: Crocombe; Payne, Boxall, Surman, Cacace; Singh, Bell,, Stamenic, Just; Wood, McCowatt.

Belgium have yet to click going forward, but they have a solid defensive platform and enough individual class to get the job done. New Zealand will have no choice but to push men forward, and I think Belgium will control the match and win with a clean sheet. My forecast: Belgium 2 New Zealand 0.

BTTS: No (1.58)

My pick here is BTTS: No. New Zealand have depended almost entirely on Just and Wood for goals, and I cannot see them scoring against a Belgian defence protected by Courtois. At 1.58 it looks the safest selection available.