World Cup 2026 Group G final standings: Results and teams qualified for the round of 32
In a World Cup group that came to a dramatic conclusion on Friday, two knockout-stage teams could yet become three.
Belgium are back in the men’s World Cup knockout stages after a thumping win on Friday, topping Group G ahead of an Egypt team that made history by securing last-32 qualification. Behind the Egyptians, Iran missed out on second place after a dramatic finish - but remain well placed to qualify.
What happened on Group G matchday three?
Having suffered an early exit in 2022, Belgium needed to win on matchday three to guarantee their return to the knockouts. They got the three points they required - and got them in emphatic manner. At BC Place in Vancouver, Leandro Trossard netted twice for the Red Devils, before goals by Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers sealed a 5-1 rout of New Zealand.
Although it was Belgium’s first victory of the 2026 finals, it was enough to seal qualification as group winners. In Group G’s other matchday-three clash, Egypt’s draw with Iran meant the Pharaohs slipped behind the Belgians on goal difference. That didn’t, though, stop the North Africans from sealing a landmark feat.
The Egyptians’ 1-1 draw with Iran secured the second automatic ticket to the last 32, as Hossam Hassan’s team qualified from the men’s World Cup group stage for the first time ever. The Iranians almost leapfrogged Egypt at the death, however: in the 92nd minute in Seattle, Shoja Khalilzadeh thought he’d scored a last-gasp winner for the Iranians, only to be ruled offside after a video review.
Denied a stoppage-time triumph, Iran had to settle for third - but still have a good chance of clinching their first ever berth in the knockouts. Team Melli’s record of three points and an even goal difference makes them the sixth-best third-placed team as it stands, with eight to go through and only three more groups still to play. The soccer stats site Opta gives Iran an 85.83% probability of qualifying.
Who will Belgium and Egypt play in the round of 32?
As group winners, Belgium will go to Seattle to face a third-placed team from Group A, I or J on Monday, July 1. As it stands, South Korea will be the Belgians’ round-of-32 opposition at Lumen Field. Egypt will play Australia, the runners-up in Group D, on July 3. That clash will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Group G: results
Matchday one: June 15
Matchday two: June 21
Matchday three: June 22
- Egypt 1-1 Iran
- New Zealand 1-5 Belgium
Group G: final standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium (Q) | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +3 | 5 |
| Egypt (Q) | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 5 |
| Iran* | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| New Zealand (E) | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 10 | -6 | 1 |
*Could qualify for the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams
Related stories
Iran at the 2026 World Cup
Egypt at the 2026 World Cup
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.