New Zealand
4-4-2 expected XI
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New Zealand vs Belgium Watch Live — Starting XI to be confirmed closer to kick-off | About
New Zealand
NZL
VS
Belgium
BEL
June 26, 2026
23:00 ET
BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
Kapazität: 54,500
New Zealand arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 2 previous appearances, their best result being Group stage (1982, 2010). Belgium have 14 appearances on football's biggest stage, with a best finish of Third place (2018). Both sides qualified via OFC-CONMEBOL play-off winners and UEFA Group F winners respectively. This is a rare inter-confederation clash: New Zealand of Oceania Football Confederation against Belgium of Union of European Football Associations. Nations from different confederations meet infrequently outside World Cup tournaments.
New Zealand vs Belgium — Tactical Formation Diagram
Starting XI to be confirmed closer to kick-off New Zealand vs Belgium at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Tactical Formation Diagram
Hover or tap an expected starter to open the full player profile and compare both tactical systems.
New Zealand 4-4-2 4-3-3 Belgium
1 Stefan Marinovic 
2 Nando Pijnaker 
5 Michael Boxall 
3 Bill Tuiloma 
4 Storm Roux 
6 Joe Bell 
8 Marko Stamenic 
10 Chris Wood 
7 Matthew Garbett 
9 Ben Waine 
11 Eli Just 
1 Thibaut Courtois 
2 Timothy Castagne 
4 Wout Faes 
5 Jan Vertonghen 
3 Arthur Theate 
6 Amadou Onana 
8 Youri Tielemans 
10 Kevin De Bruyne 
7 Jérémy Doku 
9 Romelu Lukaku 
11 Leandro Trossard New Zealand (4-4-2)
Belgium (4-3-3)
New Zealand
4-4-2 · Trainer: Darren Bazeley · Full venue profile
Substitutes Bench
Belgium
4-3-3 · Trainer: Domenico Tedesco · Full venue profile
Substitutes Bench
New Zealand vs Belgium — Historic Context & Meeting Record
World Cup pedigree, confederation background, and what this fixture means for both nations.
0 previous meetings at senior international level
Historic first meeting — FIFA World Cup 2026
This is a rare inter-confederation clash: New Zealand of Oceania Football Confederation against Belgium of Union of European Football Associations. Nations from different confederations meet infrequently outside World Cup tournaments. This group stage fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026 represents their first-ever competitive encounter.
New Zealand
ConfederationOceania Football Confederation
World Cup Apps2
Best ResultGroup stage (1982, 2010)
QualificationOFC-CONMEBOL play-off winners
Belgium
ConfederationUnion of European Football Associations
World Cup Apps14
Best ResultThird place (2018)
QualificationUEFA Group F winners
📍 Venue Fact Sheet — BC Place
Opened1983 (renovated 2011)
SurfacePolytan Turf
Kapazität54,500
ArchitectStudio Phillips Barratt
WC 2026 Matches4
Notable Events2010 Winter Olympics ceremonies, 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup
Notable Matches at This Venue
| Jahr | Confederation | Manager | Punktzahl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | FIFA Women's World Cup | Multiple group stage matches | TBC |
| 2026 | FIFA World Cup | 4 matches scheduled | TBC |
Team Form & Recent Outings
A deep dive into how New Zealand Anschauen Belgium arrive at the World Cup based on their last five competitive fixtures.
New Zealand
DLLLW
1W 1D 3L · 6 GF · 8 GA · 0 CS
Verified data — source: martj42/international_results (results.csv) · updated 2026-03-30
W 4-1
30 Mar 2026 · FIFA Series · vs Chile (H)
L 0-2
27 Mar 2026 · FIFA Series · vs Finland (H)
L 0-2
18 Nov 2025 · Friendly · vs Ecuador (N)
L 1-2
15 Nov 2025 · Friendly · vs Colombia (N)
D 1-1
14 Oct 2025 · Friendly · vs Norway (A)
Belgium
WDWWD
3W 2D 0L · 18 GF · 6 GA · 1 CS
Verified data — source: martj42/international_results (results.csv) · updated 2026-03-31
D 1-1
31 Mar 2026 · Friendly · vs Mexiko (N)
W 5-2
28 Mar 2026 · Friendly · vs United States (A)
W 7-0
18 Nov 2025 · FIFA World Cup qualification · vs Liechtenstein (H)
D 1-1
15 Nov 2025 · FIFA World Cup qualification · vs Kazakhstan (A)
W 4-2
13 Oct 2025 · FIFA World Cup qualification · vs Wales (A)
Key Players to Watch
Six individuals who could decide the outcome of New Zealand vs Belgium at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
New Zealand
Player to Watch
Chris Wood
50 caps · 30 goals
Most interceptions per 90 in squad
A mainstay of the New Zealand national team with over 20 caps, Chris Wood brings leadership and technical quality. Their movement off the shoulder of the last defender creates constant problems for opposing centre-backs.
Ben Waine
37 caps · 27 goals
Top scorer in qualifying campaign
Ben Waine has been instrumental in New Zealand's qualifying campaign, delivering clutch performances in high-pressure away fixtures. Expect them to roam between the lines and exploit gaps behind the opposition back line.
Kosta Barbarouses
51 caps · 16 goals
Leads squad in chances created
Kosta Barbarouses is enjoying a career-best season at Wellington, translating club form into international impact. Darren Bazeley relies heavily on their creativity in the final third to maintain New Zealand's competitive edge.
Belgium
Player to Watch
Romelu Lukaku
89 caps · 4 goals
Captain — 87 caps of experience
A mainstay of the Belgium national team with over 23 caps, Romelu Lukaku brings leadership and technical quality. Their movement off the shoulder of the last defender creates constant problems for opposing centre-backs.
Loïs Openda
63 caps · 33 goals
Set-piece specialist — 8 direct free-kick goals
Loïs Openda is enjoying a career-best season at RB Leipzig, translating club form into international impact. Domenico Tedesco relies heavily on their creativity in the final third to maintain Belgium's competitive edge.
Kevin De Bruyne
25 caps · 10 goals
Aerial duel winner — 68% success rate
Kevin De Bruyne has been instrumental in Belgium's qualifying campaign, delivering clutch performances in high-pressure away fixtures. Expect them to roam between the lines and exploit gaps behind the opposition back line.
Tactical Analysis
A deep dive into how Darren Bazeley Anschauen Domenico Tedesco will set their sides up tactically for this FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage clash.
New Zealand — 4-4-2
System Overview
A classic flat midfield that prioritises verticality through central channels.
Attacking Patterns
New Zealand's set-piece threat is significant — they scored 12 goals from corners and free-kicks in qualifying.
Defensive Shape
Belgium uses a high press triggered by opposition goalkeeper touches, forcing long clearances.
Belgium — 4-3-3
System Overview
A balanced system with width from full-backs and a single pivot shielding the back four.
Attacking Patterns
New Zealand favours quick transitions within 5 seconds of winning possession — a direct counter-attacking style.
Defensive Shape
Belgium uses a high press triggered by opposition goalkeeper touches, forcing long clearances.
Key Tactical Battle to Watch
The decisive tactical battle will be New Zealand's back four against Belgium's wing-back system. If Darren Bazeley can neutralise Belgium's primary creator in central zones, New Zealand should control the tempo.
Match Prediction & AI Forecast
Six individuals who could decide the outcome of New Zealand vs Belgium based on squad depth, recent form, and historical head-to-head trends.
AI Forecast
FavouriteEither side (very close)
Confidence52%
Likely Scorelines1-1 · 2-1 · 1-2
Factors for New Zealand
- Both sides are evenly matched in FIFA rankings and squad depth
- Tactical familiarity between Darren Bazeley and Domenico Tedesco from previous encounters
Factors for Belgium
- Unpredictable World Cup opening-match nerves for both squads
- VAR and refereeing decisions could heavily influence a tight contest
This forecast is generated by an editorial AI model using squad-depth heuristics and confederation strength indices. It is not a betting tip.
This AI-generated forecast is for entertainment and editorial purposes only. It does not constitute betting advice. Always gamble responsibly.
Tickets & Pricing
Secure your seat for New Zealand vs Belgium Opened BC Place, Vancouver Opened June 26, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions — New Zealand vs Belgium
Who is playing in New Zealand vs Belgium at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
New Zealand face Belgium on June 26, 2026 at BC Place. The match features New Zealand's 4-4-2 system under head coach Darren Bazeley against Belgium's 4-3-3 shape managed by Domenico Tedesco.
What time does New Zealand vs Belgium kick off?
Kick-off is scheduled for the local match time shown above. Check your local broadcaster for timezone conversion. FIFA recommends arriving at the stadium at least 90 minutes before kick-off.
Where is New Zealand vs Belgium being played?
The match takes place at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada. The stadium has a capacity of 54,500 spectators.
How to buy FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets for New Zealand vs Belgium?
Tickets are available through the official FIFA Ticketing portal at fifa.com/tickets. Categories range from $60 (Category 3) to $450+ (Hospitality). Create a FIFA ID and select your preferred seating tier during the sales phase.
What formation will New Zealand and Belgium use?
New Zealand typically line up in a 4-4-2 formation under Darren Bazeley, while Belgium favour a 4-3-3 system with Domenico Tedesco. Expected lineups are listed in the team sheets above.
Who are the key players to watch in New Zealand vs Belgium?
For New Zealand, watch Stefan Marinovic in attack. For Belgium, Thibaut Courtois leads the line. Both teams rely on experienced midfield engines to control tempo.
What TV channel is broadcasting New Zealand vs Belgium?
Broadcast rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are held by Fox Sports (USA), TelevisaUnivision (Mexico), TSN (Canada), BBC/ITV (UK), ARD/ZDF (Germany), and beIN Sports (Middle East). Check your local listings for the exact channel in your territory.
Has New Zealand ever reached the World Cup knockout stage?
New Zealand have reached the knockout rounds in some tournaments, with their best ever finish being Group stage (1982, 2010).
Has Belgium ever reached the World Cup knockout stage?
Belgium have reached the knockout rounds in some tournaments, with their best ever finish being Third place (2018).
All tickets are sold through the official FIFA Ticketing Portal. Create a FIFA ID to purchase Category 1–3 or Hospitality packages. Prices shown are indicative and subject to demand-based dynamic pricing.