A do-or-die match and Belgium’s shot at redemption: preview for New Zealand vs Belgium - 27.06.2026
The third-round World Cup clash between New Zealand and Belgium will take place on June 27 at BC Place in Vancouver. Both teams are yet to register a win at the tournament, but their playoff hopes are still alive: Belgium have two points, while New Zealand heads into this decisive fixture with one.
- See also: Group leaders and a risky scenario for the visitors: prediction for Egypt vs Iran - 27.06.2026
New Zealand: bold attack, but a fragile defense
New Zealand have left a respectable impression at this tournament, even if the results so far fall short of a true breakthrough. Darren Bazeley’s side drew 2-2 with Iran in their opener, matching their opponents blow for blow, before falling 1-3 to Egypt despite taking a first-half lead courtesy of Finn Surman’s goal.
The Kiwis’ main issue is that their attacking efforts are consistently undermined by mistakes at the back. They’ve scored in both World Cup matches so far, but have now conceded in 13 consecutive games. Even more telling, in nine of those matches New Zealand allowed at least two goals.
Bazeley has stuck with his chosen lineup, fielding the same starting eleven in both opening rounds. Substitutions have also involved mostly the same players, hinting at both strong chemistry among the regulars and a lack of squad depth. It’s likely the coach won’t shake things up against Belgium either.
Belgium: unbeaten run continues, but goals are still missing at the World Cup
Under Rudi Garcia, Belgium are unbeaten in 15 matches, yet they remain winless at this World Cup. In their opener, the Red Devils drew 1-1 with Egypt, their only goal coming from a Mohamed Hany own goal, and then were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Iran.
Against Iran, Belgium enjoyed 70% possession and fired 23 shots, but once again struggled to convert their chances. Nathan Ngoy’s red card in the second half eased the pressure, but in terms of quality opportunities, Belgium still looked like a side that should have claimed more.
Heading into the decisive round, Garcia faces defensive headaches: Ngoy is suspended, while Zeno Debast is injured. On the bright side, Jeremy Doku returns after missing the previous match due to a family commitment following the birth of his child. Doku is expected to start, with Arthur Theate likely to replace Ngoy at center-back.
Probable lineups
- New Zealand: Crocombe, Kakache, Boxall, Surman, Payne, Stamenic, Bell, Just, Singh, McCowatt, Wood.
- Belgium: Courtois, Meunier, Theate, Mechele, De Keyper, Raskin, Tielemans, Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard, Lukaku.
Match facts and head-to-head
- There have been no more than 9 corners in regular time in 6 of Belgium’s last 7 World Cup matches.
- Belgium are unbeaten in 15 matches, but have drawn twice at this World Cup.
- Belgium have failed to score themselves in four straight World Cup matches, despite taking 69 shots in that span.
- Belgium have received as many or more yellow cards as their opponents in 7 of their last 8 World Cup games.
Class should tell: prediction for New Zealand vs Belgium
Essentially, this is a knockout match: the winner stays alive in the tournament, while a draw does neither side any favors. New Zealand can cause problems with their work rate and a straightforward but effective attack, but their defense is simply too prone to errors. That could be a fatal flaw against a side with Belgium’s quality.
Belgium have disappointed in front of goal rather than in overall performance. They create chances, dominate possession, and have enough experience to handle the pressure of the final round. Given New Zealand’s defensive issues, Lukaku, De Bruyne, Trossard, and the returning Doku should finally have a chance to break their scoring drought.
