The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, featuring 48 teams, including Group G where Egypt hopes to leverage the talents of Mo Salah for a successful campaign.
Belgium: Aiming for Glory
Belgium’s football landscape shifted when Rudi Garcia assumed the managerial role in early 2025, following the dismissal of Domenico Tedesco amidst a dismal performance streak. Garcia has steered Belgium to the World Cup finals after leading them to an unbeaten record in their qualifying group. His diverse coaching background, which includes stints in France, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, positions him well. Notably, he achieved recognition as the French Manager of the Year in 2010/11 while leading Lille to a league and cup double.
A key figure for Belgium is Kevin De Bruyne, whose remarkable skillset has solidified his reputation as one of football’s finest playmakers during his successful tenure at Manchester City. Although recent injuries have limited his appearances, he remains crucial for the team’s success, finishing as the top scorer during the qualification phase. His experience and agility are vital as Belgium seeks to advance further than they did in Russia 2018.
Keep an eye on Jeremy Doku, a rising star who enjoyed an impressive season with Manchester City, netting eight goals and contributing 14 assists. At just 23 years old, Doku has already established himself with the national team, displaying potential that could shine brightly at the upcoming tournament in North America.
Belgium’s historic triumphs include 15 World Cup qualifications, with their best performance being a third-place finish in 2018.
Egypt: A Quest for Redemption
Under the guidance of Hossam Hassan, Egypt’s aspirations are high as they approach their fourth World Cup appearance. Hassan, the national team’s all-time leading scorer, orchestrated a flawless run during the qualification campaign, finishing top of their group. Nevertheless, his tenure was recently marred by disappointment in the Africa Cup of Nations, where Egypt fell short in the semifinals and third-place playoff.
Mohamed Salah is Egypt’s linchpin, boasting an illustrious career that includes 257 goals at Liverpool. With growing concerns over his future following a fallout with his club over managerial strategies, Salah’s international ambitions are more urgent than ever. At 33, he harbors hopes of achieving success on the global stage, aiming to change Egypt’s World Cup fortunes—having never won a game in their previous three appearances.
Another player to watch is Omar Marmoush, who is looking to capitalize on the upcoming tournament after a challenging club season. His performances could be crucial for Egypt as they aim to finally progress past the group stages.
Iran: Experienced and Ready
Managed by Amir Ghalenoei, Iran has established a formidable presence in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Ghalenoei’s experience as a coach has been instrumental in guiding Iran through a successful run in the Asian Cup and onto the World Cup stage. The most successful coach in the Iran Pro League history adds significant clout to the national side.
Veteran striker Mehdi Taremi stands out among the squad, showcasing his prowess with a commendable goal tally during qualification. His experience from competing in multiple World Cups will be invaluable as Iran seeks to make history by advancing beyond the group stage—an achievement that has eluded them during their previous attempts.
Saman Ghoddos is also a player to keep an eye on, as he continues to demonstrate his versatility and skill in the attacking midfield role. His international commitment will be critical, especially following his career in European leagues.
New Zealand: The Underdogs
With Darren Bazeley at the helm, New Zealand is set for a significant challenge in the World Cup. Bazeley’s comprehensive coaching resume spans various international levels, and he aims to elevate the national team beyond their previous performances.
Leading the charge for New Zealand is Chris Wood, a seasoned forward whose recent form in the Premier League has been impressive. As captain, he not only contributes goals but also inspires his teammates. Alongside him, rising star Elijah Just has emerged, demonstrating his potential in both the club and national setups.
New Zealand seeks to turn the tide in their third World Cup appearance, having experienced mixed results in previous tournaments. Each match will be vital as they aim to break free from their historical limitations and make a mark on the international stage.