New Zealand vs Belgium prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, June 27, 2026
In the third round of the World Cup on June 27, 2026, a match will be held between the national teams of New Zealand and Belgium. Both sides need only a win.
New Zealand vs Belgium: Team News and Expert Analysis
New Zealand cruised through qualification as expected. Friendly matches were more problematic: despite wins over Ivory Coast a year ago and Chile in March, they only managed a draw with Norway – all other friendlies were lost. Against Iran, the Jest–Wood partnership produced two goals, but the match ended in a draw. After that, they tried to put up a fight against Egypt, but eventually lost 1-3.
Belgium won their qualifying group last year, collecting eighteen points, two more than Wales. The friendlies also went well: after a draw with Mexico, the Belgians beat the USA, Croatia, and Tunisia. At the World Cup, they were losing to Egypt, but managed to equalize after Lukaku came on. Against Iran, playing with ten men, they managed a 0-0 draw.
The Oceania powerhouse scores an average of 0.9 goals per match but concedes much more—1.9 per game. Rudy Garcia’s men score an average of 2.6 goals while conceding just 0.7.
Previous Matches: New Zealand vs Belgium
The teams will be meeting for the first time.
The nominal visitors are expected to win convincingly. But this underestimates their opponent—so we’re betting on Wood and company with a "+2.5 goals" handicap (odds – 1.71).
New Zealand vs Belgium: Key Stats and Trends
- New Zealand have lost ten of their last thirteen matches
- 50% of New Zealand's matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 2.8
- Belgium have won four of their last seven games
- 50% of Belgium's matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 3.3
New Zealand vs Belgium: Probable Starting Lineups
New Zealand use a 1-4-3-3 formation (possible lineup): Crocombe – Kakache, Boxall, Sermon, Payne – Stamenic, Bell – Just, Singh, McCowatt – Wood. Garbett will not play.
Belgium use a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Courtois – De Keyper, Mechele, Castagne, Meunier – Tielemans, Raskin – Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku – Lukaku. Ngoy was sent off last round, while Debast has fitness concerns.
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team’s position in the World Cup standings.
