Iran-Egypt, Belgium-New Zealand: Group G knockout hope still alive for all four

The race for a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 reaches a crucial stage on Saturday (June 27), as all four teams in Group G take the field simultaneously in their final group-stage fixtures.

Iran are taking on Egypt, while Belgium face New Zealand, with both matches kicking off at 9:00am (Bangladesh time).

The results will determine the group's final standings and decide which teams advance to the knockout stage.

Egypt entered the final round at the top of the table with four points from a win and a draw. Iran and Belgium were tied on two points after drawing both of their opening matches, while New Zealand sat bottom with one point, leaving all four sides mathematically in contention for qualification.

Iran and Belgium entered the decisive fixtures knowing that victory would significantly strengthen their hopes of progressing. Egypt, meanwhile, needed only a draw to remain in control of top spot and secure direct qualification, while New Zealand faced the toughest equation, requiring both a positive result and favourable developments in the other Group G encounter.

Both matches began at a high tempo, with Belgium applying early pressure in search of a breakthrough against New Zealand. In the other fixture, Egypt and Iran adopted a more cautious approach but continued to create opportunities as both sides chased a result that could prove decisive.

Under the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup format, the top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the Round of 32, along with the eight best third-placed teams. As a result, every goal, point and goal difference in the final round of group-stage matches could prove decisive.

The World Cup knockout stage is scheduled to begin on June 28, with the full Round of 32 bracket to be confirmed once all remaining group-stage matches conclude.