New Zealand vs Belgium — World Cup 2026

Tale of the tape.

Three duels that decide it.

Left back vs Right winger · Cacace's test

L. Cacace

#13 · Empoli

VS

JD

J. Doku

#11 · Manchester City

Doku's explosive pace and directness will probe Cacace relentlessly down the flank. The Empoli defender has pedigree and positioning, but containing City's winger is a different beast. This is a baptism by fire for the All Whites' backline.

Central midfield · The clash of craft

M. Stamenić

#8 · Olympiakos Piraeus

VS

KB

K. De Bruyne

#7 · Manchester City

De Bruyne's range and intelligence will dominate possession in the middle. Stamenić must snuff out space and disrupt rhythm, but De Bruyne rarely meets his match in creative synthesis. The Belgian will dictate the tempo.

Striker vs Centre back · Old's moment

B. Old

#19 · Saint Etienne

VS

AT

A. Theate

#3 · Eintracht Frankfurt

Old will need physicality and intelligent movement to unsettle Theate, who is composed and positionally sharp. A battle of will over pure athleticism; if New Zealand can release Old early, there is mischief to make.

New Zealand vs Belgium · A collision of ambition and experience

The All Whites arrive without the pedigree of Belgium's constellation, but with a hunger to disrupt. Belgium's midfield maestros will seek to suffocate the game; New Zealand must steal it on the break.

Win probability.

Even-money default — ranks not yet on file.

The bench faceoff.

New Zealand · Head coach

F. Schmid

Belgium · Head coach

R. Garcia

Where to watch.