Everything remains to play for in Group G as New Zealand and Belgium meet in Vancouver with both sides still capable of reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stages. With neither team having won a match so far, this final group fixture promises to be a tense and decisive encounter.

New Zealand are still searching for their first-ever World Cup victory after surrendering a halftime lead in a 3-1 defeat to Egypt on matchday two. The result extended the All Whites’ winless record at the tournament to eight matches (D4, L4), leaving only Honduras with more World Cup games played without tasting victory.

Darren Bazeley’s side have shown they can compete, taking the lead in both of their Group G fixtures, but their inability to hold onto those advantages has left qualification hanging by a thread. A first-ever World Cup win would likely be enough to send New Zealand into the knockout rounds, although recent form offers little encouragement. They have lost 10 of their last 13 internationals (W1, D2) and have not defeated a European nation since 2010.

Belgium also enter the match under immense pressure after a disappointing goalless draw against Iran. The Red Devils sit third in Group G and risk suffering a second consecutive group-stage elimination after reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018.

Criticism has intensified back home, with Belgium winning just one of their last five World Cup matches (D3, L1). However, their broader form remains solid, as they are unbeaten in their last 15 internationals (W9, D6), the second-longest unbeaten run in the nation’s history. Even drawing all three group matches could still be enough to secure progression, just as Belgium themselves managed in 1998.

This will be the first-ever meeting between New Zealand and Belgium at any World Cup. The All Whites will take confidence from remaining unbeaten in their last two World Cup matches against European opposition, both ending in draws.

Statistics suggest goals could be on the cards. New Zealand have conceded at least twice in five of their eight World Cup matches, including both games at this tournament, while each of their last 11 competitive fixtures has produced over 2.5 goals. Belgium have struggled creatively, winning just six corners across their opening two matches, but they have remained defensively disciplined by not conceding a second-half goal in their last five outings.

Captain Chris Wood remains New Zealand’s biggest attacking hope. The experienced striker has not lost a competitive international in which he has scored since 2017, compiling eight wins during that period. Belgium will once again rely on veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who could become his country’s most-capped player in World Cup history and already ranks among the tournament’s all-time leaders in clean sheets.

New Zealand have no fresh injury concerns, while Belgium must cope without suspended defender Nathan Ngoy following his red card against Iran. Winger Jérémy Doku is expected to return after missing the previous match.

Prediction: Belgium 2-1 New Zealand

Belgium’s lack of goals has been a concern throughout the group stage, but against a New Zealand side that has struggled defensively, this looks like the ideal opportunity for the Red Devils to rediscover their attacking edge. With both teams needing points, expect an open contest with goals at both ends, but Belgium’s superior quality should ultimately prove decisive.