Perfectly balanced! Group G delivers drama but no winners on their opening match day at the World Cup

Iran came back from behind twice against New Zealand. (Image credits – Heute; licence details)

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Group G got off to a perfectly balanced start, with both opening matches ending in entertaining draws. Belgium and Egypt tied 1-1 in a nearby match, while Iran and New Zealand played a thrilling 2-2 draw. With all four teams scoring one point each, this group is perfectly balanced and poised for the second round of group stage fixtures.

Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand all earned points in the first round of World Cup Group G, leaving no team with an advantage. Belgium and Iran may be disappointed for not gaining an advantage, but New Zealand and Egypt will gain confidence and strive to replicate their resilient performance in the future. After the first round, this group looks to be the most competitive and unpredictable in the tournament.

Belgium vs Egypt: Lukaku earns a point for the Red Devils

Lukaku's substitution changed Belgium's fate, as they appeared to be out of ideas until the equaliser arrived. (Image credits – Heute; licence details.)

Belgium's World Cup campaign started with a disappointing 1-1 draw against a determined Egyptian team led by Mohammed Salah. The Red Devils were expected to easily defeat Egypt, but instead they frustrated Belgium.

Belgium controlled possession, but Egypt remained disciplined and even dominated the Red Devils at times. Egypt broke the deadlock early in the 19th minute when Emam Ashour hit a thunderous strike from distance past Thibaut Courtois in goal.

The Pharaohs continued to hit Belgium on the break, nearly doubling their lead when Mostafa Zico's shot was saved by Courtois. Belgium pressed for an equaliser in the second half, and Kevin De Bruyne came close with a free kick that hit the woodwork.

Romelu Lukaku proved to be Belgium's hero after coming off the bench and having a slight touch that deflected off Mohamed Hany for an own goal. Hany's own goal is the third of the 2026 World Cup, one more than the entire 2022 World Cup.

Iran vs New Zealand: Kiwis put up a brave display against the lions of Asia

Chris Wood, New Zealand's all-time top scorer, provided two assists for Just against Iran. (Image credits – Heute; licence details.)

Iran came from behind twice to hold New Zealand, who had not lost in their previous four World Cup appearances, to a 2-2 draw in Los Angeles. Elijah Just and Ramin Rezaeian stole the show for their respective teams, securing the first World Cup point.

The two teams met in the hopes of finishing first in Group G, and New Zealand got off to a strong start, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Chris Wood played on Just. Wood, the Kiwis' top scorer, also assisted Just for two of his goals.

Rezaeian scored Iran's equaliser before setting up Mohammad Mohebbi for the second equaliser. Despite a late push from Iran, they were unable to win against the World Cup's lowest-ranked team and the only OFC side.

Throughout the contest, the All Whites demonstrated outstanding character and matched Iran to a tee. Their determination and desire to win the game kept them in the game and helped them achieve this positive outcome. Both teams will be disappointed that they missed out on a chance to win, but they will have the opportunity to play again the following game and boost their qualification hopes.