Group G final-round match, played 26 June 2026 at BC Place, Vancouver. Full time: New Zealand 1–5 Belgium. Belgium topped the group and the result ended the All Whites' tournament. Below is our recap and the pre-match betting analysis, kept for the record.
Belgium won 5–1 to top Group G; New Zealand were eliminated. The match is settled — for live markets on the remaining ties, see the World Cup 2026 hub.
The All Whites vs Belgium tie is done, but the tournament runs to the 19 July final. Bet the semi-finals and final at the Kiwi-friendly sportsbooks below — confirm current odds at the sportsbook before betting.
Indicative pre-match decimal odds. Check live prices at TAB NZ, 22bet or Rooster.bet before placing.
The All Whites went into the Belgium fixture with their World Cup 2026 future on the line. After a 2–2 draw with Iran (Seattle) and a 1–3 loss to Egypt (Vancouver), the Belgium clash was the last chance to bank points and chase a Round of 32 spot via the best-third-placed pathway. It didn't come off — Belgium won 5–1, sealed top spot in Group G, and sent New Zealand out in fourth.
The 48-team format saw 32 of 48 teams advance — top two from each of the 12 groups plus the eight best third-placed teams. Belgium went through as group winners and Egypt as runners-up; New Zealand's heavy defeat left them short on both points and goal difference. The analysis below is the pre-match betting preview, kept for the record.
Both squads have rotation considerations heading into the third group fixture. Watch official confirmations 24 hours before kick-off, but here is what to expect.
GK: Crocombe
DEF: Boxall, Tuiloma, Reid, Brotherton
MID: Stamenic, Bell, Garbett
FWD: Cacace — Wood — Waine
Manager M. Mayne is expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 shape that has served the All Whites well in qualification. Chris Wood remains the focal point up top; Marko Stamenic anchors the midfield. Ben Waine offers pace and physicality on the right.
Belgium are expected to rotate after their first two group fixtures, but the spine — De Bruyne, Lukaku, Doku, Trossard — should start. With Belgium likely already qualified by this point, expect a mix of regulars and rotation players. This rotation is part of why the All Whites have a fighting chance: rested-but-not-sharp Belgium is materially weaker than full-strength Belgium.
The straight match winner is heavy on Belgium and offers no value. The interesting markets sit elsewhere on the board.
At indicative 1.95, this pays if the All Whites lose by 1 goal, draw, or win. Given the rotation risk for Belgium and NZ's tactical discipline, +1.5 is the value play of the match. Belgium are 1.33 to win straight up — that price assumes a comfortable victory that isn't guaranteed.
At indicative 3.50, this is more conservative than backing the All Whites outright. If you believe a draw is in play but don't want exposure to a Belgium narrow win, X2 is cleaner than the +1.5 handicap.
NZ's defensive shape under Mayne is built around limiting space. Belgium may rest creators. Under 2.5 at ~2.20 is the natural pairing with the "low-scoring grind" thesis.
Wood at ~3.50 anytime is rich-priced for a striker against a rotated Belgium back line. If you're backing NZ to score (BTTS yes at ~1.80), Wood is the obvious vehicle.
Combined at ~7.50 indicative odds. This bets that Belgium win by 1, both score, and Wood scores. The legs correlate (if NZ scores, Wood is most likely the scorer) so the SGM price is materially better than independent multi math.
If you do back Belgium, pair it with under 2.5 goals at ~3.30. A 1-0 or 2-0 Belgium win is more probable than a 3+ goal romp given NZ's defensive shape.
NZ punters have two layers of legal options: the domestic NZ-licensed brands and offshore-licensed sportsbooks.
TAB NZ is the only fully NZ-licensed sportsbook under the Racing Industry Act 2020. It covers the All Whites vs Belgium match with full markets (1X2, BTTS, totals, handicaps, first goalscorer, anytime scorer, multi-bets). NZD-native banking. No crypto. Sign up via tab.co.nz.
Offshore-licensed brands (Rooster.bet, 22bet, BetLabel, Ivibet) offer 200–250+ markets per match, bigger welcome offers, and crypto banking. They remain legally accessible to NZ players under the Racing Industry Act 2020 (the Act targets operators, not individual punters).
For our full comparison see the best sports betting sites NZ page and the legal sports betting in NZ section on our World Cup hub.
No. Recreational gambling winnings — including bets on the World Cup 2026 — are not assessable income for NZ tax residents. The IRD treats them as windfall gains. Professional gamblers may be assessed differently.
| Broadcaster | Channel / Platform | NZT Time | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Sport NZ | Sky Sport 7 (HD) | 1:00 PM | Sky satellite + Sky Sport Now streaming |
| Sky Open | Channel 12 | 1:00 PM | Free-to-air (selected All Whites matches) |
| TVNZ 1 / TVNZ+ | Channel 1 / TVNZ+ stream | 1:00 PM (subject to confirmation) | Free-to-air + streaming |
| FIFA+ | FIFA+ app | Highlights post-match | Free with sign-up |
Always confirm channel allocation on the Sky Sport NZ schedule the day of the match.
Responsible Gambling
Betting on a World Cup match is entertainment. Set a stake limit before kick-off and stop when you reach it. Never chase losses. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please reach out:
NZ Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 · gamblinghelpline.co.nz
18+ only. Gambling involves risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Please gamble responsibly.
