World Cup Preview: Group G
As we get set to welcome the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we're previewing each of the tournament's twelve groups through the Ligue 1 McDonald's lens, continuing with Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand.
Belgium
FIFA Ranking: 8
Current Ligue 1 McDonald’s players:
Belgium once again boast a healthy contingent of Ligue 1 McDonald’s talent heading into the World Cup. LOSC Lille pair Thomas Meunier and Matias Fernandez-Pardo both make the trip to North America, with the experienced full-back providing leadership alongside one of Belgium’s brightest young attacking prospects. RC Strasbourg also contributes two players to Rudi Garcia’s squad, as highly rated goalkeeper Mike Penders returns after an impressive loan spell in Alsace and Diego Moreira offers dynamism down the left flank. The quartet reflects the continued importance of the French top flight in developing and showcasing Belgian talent.
Tournament outlook:
The golden generation may have faded, but Belgium remain one of Europe's most dangerous sides. Rudi Garcia has inherited a squad that blends the experience of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois with an exciting new wave led by Jérémy Doku, Loïs Openda and Charles De Ketelaere. There are lingering questions over a youthful defence, but the Red Devils possess enough quality to expect progression from Group G. With Egypt likely to provide their stiffest competition, topping the group would put Belgium on course for another deep run as they look to erase the disappointment of their group-stage exit in Qatar.
Ligue 1 legend: Eden Hazard – LOSC Lille
Before becoming a Premier League icon and Champions League winner, Eden Hazard announced himself as one of the greatest talents ever to emerge from Ligue 1 McDonald’s. A product of LOSC Lille’s academy, the Belgian dazzled supporters with his balance, dribbling and creativity, winning back-to-back UNFP Player of the Year awards before inspiring Les Dogues to an historic league and Coupe de France double in 2010-11. Across 194 appearances for Lille, Hazard scored 50 goals and registered countless memorable moments, leaving France as arguably the finest player the club has ever produced. For many, he remains the benchmark by which every subsequent Ligue 1 wonderkid is judged.
Egypt
FIFA Ranking: 29
Current Ligue 1 McDonald’s players:
For the first time in several years, Egypt arrive at a major tournament without a current representative in Ligue 1 McDonald’s. FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed, who had become a regular fixture for the Pharaohs during his time in France, was a surprise omission from Hossam Hassan’s final 26-man squad despite another solid campaign in yellow and green. As a result, Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud Hassan "Trezeguet" will carry Egypt’s attacking hopes without any current Ligue 1 support.
Tournament outlook:
With Mohamed Salah approaching what is likely to be his final World Cup, Egypt arrive in North America determined to finally break their knockout-stage duck. The Pharaohs have never progressed beyond the group phase but possess arguably their strongest attacking unit in decades, with Salah and Omar Marmoush capable of troubling any defence. Belgium are favourites to top Group G, yet Egypt will fancy their chances against Iran and New Zealand in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle for second place. If they can translate their continental pedigree onto the world stage, this could finally be the tournament where history is made.
Ligue 1 legend: Ahmed "Mido" Hossam – Olympique de Marseille
Before becoming one of Egypt's most recognisable footballers, Mido enjoyed the finest spell of his career in France with Olympique de Marseille. The gifted striker scored 22 goals in just 44 appearances for Les Phocéens and was instrumental in their run to the 2004 UEFA Cup final, quickly becoming a favourite at the Stade Vélodrome thanks to his blend of technique, flair and clinical finishing. Although his time in Ligue 1 was brief, few Egyptian players have had such an immediate impact, making Mido the nation's standout figure in French football history.
Iran
FIFA Ranking: 20
Current Ligue 1 McDonald’s players:
Iran arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup without any current representatives in Ligue 1 McDonald’s. The vast majority of Amir Ghalenoei’s squad is based in the Persian Gulf or neighbouring leagues, with veteran striker Mehdi Taremi and several experienced campaigners plying their trade elsewhere in Europe. While there is little direct French connection in the current setup, Iran’s disciplined collective and tournament experience have made them one of Asia’s most consistent performers over the past decade.
Tournament outlook:
Appearing at a fourth consecutive World Cup, Iran will once again target a historic first qualification for the knockout stages. Their defensive organisation and pragmatism have long been the hallmarks of the national side, with Amir Ghalenoei favouring structure over spectacle. In a group containing Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, the clash with the Pharaohs could prove decisive in the battle for second place. If captain Mehdi Taremi can rediscover his best goalscoring form, Team Melli have every chance of finally breaking their World Cup hoodoo.
New Zealand
FIFA Ranking: 86
New Zealand
FIFA Ranking: 86
Current Ligue 1 McDonald’s players:
New Zealand arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup without any current representatives in Ligue 1 McDonald’s. Ben Old, who became the latest Kiwi to make the move to France when he joined AS Saint-Étienne in 2024, was unable to force his way into Darren Bazeley’s final squad, meaning there is no direct Ligue 1 connection for the All Whites in North America. Instead, Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood and a largely England-based contingent will carry New Zealand’s hopes on their return to the world stage.
Tournament outlook:
The expansion to 48 teams has finally handed Oceania a guaranteed place at the World Cup, and New Zealand have taken full advantage. The All Whites eased through qualifying and now head to North America hoping to record the nation’s first-ever World Cup victory after drawing all three matches in 2010. Chris Wood remains the focal point after another prolific season in England, while the side’s organisation and physicality could make them awkward opponents. However, with Belgium, Egypt and Iran all standing in their way, progression would represent one of the biggest achievements in New Zealand football history.
READ MORE:
>>World Cup Preview: Group H
