The All Whites have been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and Egypt for next year’s FIFA World Cup, avoiding the tournament’s biggest heavyweights but still facing a tough path toward a historic first knockout-stage appearance.
Ranked 86th, New Zealand were the final team drawn in Washington DC, landing in what is considered one of the more forgiving pools, though all three opponents sit far higher in the global rankings.
New Zealand recently lost 1–0 to Egypt and have not played Belgium before, while their last meeting with Iran was a 3–0 defeat in 2003.
With matches expected in Seattle, Los Angeles and Vancouver, the All Whites will likely open against Iran.
A top-two finish guarantees progression, while eight of the best third-placed teams will also advance from the expanded 48-nation format.
The wider tournament will see Mexico open proceedings, with FIFA set to confirm venues and kick-off times for all remaining teams this weekend.
We have been drawn into Group G with 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇪🇬 Egypt, and 🇮🇷 IR Iran for the 2026 FIFA World Cup 🇳🇿🏆 pic.twitter.com/PXBZU7yQNJ
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) December 5, 2025
Pools
- GROUP A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, European Playoff D
- GROUP B: Canada, European Playoff A, Qatar, Switzerland
- GROUP C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- GROUP D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, European Playoff C
- GROUP E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- GROUP F: Netherlands, Japan, European Playoff B, Tunisia
- GROUP G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- GROUP H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
- GROUP I: France, Senegal, FIFA Playoff 2, Norway
- GROUP J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- GROUP K: Portugal, FIFA Playoff 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia
- GROUP L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
