The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage kicks off with an exciting slate of matches on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, featuring tactical battles in Groups G and H. Heavyweights Belgium and Uruguay aim to make early statements, while Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and underdogs New Zealand seek crucial points.
Belgium vs Egypt (Group G)
Belgium start their campaign on a 13-match unbeaten run, with Jérémy Doku expected to lead the attack. Egypt, boasting Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, have one of the tournament's best defensive records, conceding only twice in qualification. Belgium are favourites, but Egypt's disciplined defence could make this a close contest.
Time: 12:30 AM IST on Tuesday, 16 June
Venue: Seattle Stadium, Seattle, USA
Predicted XIs
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois; Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Timothy Castagne; Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans; Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku; Charles De Ketelaere
Egypt (4-2-3-1): Mostafa Shobeir; Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Ahmed El Fotouh; Mohanad Lasheen, Marwan Ateya; Mohamed Salah, Emam Ashour, Trezeguet; Omar Marmoush
Head-to-Head
- Matches played: 4
- Egypt Won: 3
- Belgium Won: 1
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay (Group H)
Uruguay aim for a strong start despite missing key creative players. Saudi Arabia remain dangerous underdogs, carrying confidence from their 2022 World Cup upset over Argentina. This is a rematch of their 2018 meeting, which Uruguay won 1-0. Uruguay hold the advantage, but Saudi Arabia's counter-attacking threat is significant.
Time: 3:30 AM IST on Tuesday, 16 June
Venue: Miami Stadium, Florida, USA
Predicted XIs
Saudi Arabia (4-2-3-1): Mohammed Al-Owais; Saud Abdulhamid, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Ali Lajami, Nawaf Boushal; Mohamed Kanno, Abdullah Al-Khaibari; Nasser Al-Dawsari, Musab Al-Juwayr, Salem Al-Dawsari; Firas Al-Buraikan
Uruguay (4-4-2): Fernando Muslera; Guillermo Varela, Santiago Bueno, Sebastián Cáceres, Mathías Olivera; Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur, Maximiliano Araújo; Darwin Núñez, Federico Viñas
Head-to-Head
- Matches played: 3
- Saudi Arabia Won: 1
- Uruguay Won: 1
- Match Tied: 1
Iran vs New Zealand (Group G)
Iran are clear favourites against New Zealand, with a more experienced squad and higher world ranking. New Zealand dominated Oceania qualifying but have struggled to score against stronger opposition. Iran aim to capitalize on their quality edge, while New Zealand chase a historic first World Cup victory.
Time: 6:30 AM IST on Tuesday, 16 June
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, USA
Predicted XIs
Iran (4-3-3): Alireza Beiranvand; Aria Yousefi, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Ali Nemati, Milad Mohammadi; Saeid Ezatolahi, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Mohebi; Mehdi Ghayedi, Mehdi Taremi, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh
New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Max Crocombe; Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace; Joe Bell, Marko Stamenić; Matthew Garbett, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just; Chris Wood
Head-to-Head
- Matches played: 2
- Iran Won: 1
- New Zealand Won: 0
- Match Tied: 1
Where to Watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup matches will be streamed live on the ZEE5 website and app, and telecast on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD. Fans in India can watch on these platforms.
