Belgium and New Zealand's World Cup 2026 encounter in Vancouver marks the first time the two sides have ever met, and just so happens to be a match with huge significance.
For underwhelming Belgium, it’s simple, a victory guarantees a runners-up spot at worst in Group G. Three points for New Zealand would most likely secure a third-place route but could also snatch second if Iran fail to beat table-topping Egypt.
- Kick-off time: 4:00am BST / 11:00pm ET (Fri) / 1:00pm AEST
- FREE Stream: BBC (UK) / SBS (AUS)
- TV & Streaming: Fox (US)
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After a frustrating draw with Iran and a 3-1 loss to Egypt, New Zealand still have the chance to create history and advance beyond the group stage for the very first time. On paper, it looks a tough ask to overcome Belgium, but in reality, the Red Devils have been miles off the pace.
Rudi Garcia’s side deserved their point against Egypt, but put in a lacklustre display against Iran last time out as they were held to a goalless draw. The sharp decline of what was once one of the most dynamic attacking forces in Europe was no better embodied by the struggles of the ageing duo of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.
Can the last of the ‘Golden Generation’ turn it on one more time to help Belgium advance?
Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information you need to watch New Zealand vs Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 online, on TV, and from anywhere.
Watch New Zealand vs Belgium for FREE
New Zealand vs Belgium will be free-to-stream across multiple regions, including BBC in the UK, RTÉ Player in Ireland, SBS On Demand in Australia, CazéTV on YouTube in Brazil, NOS in the Netherlands, RTBF/VRT in Belgium, SRF/RTS/RSI in Switzerland, and TRT in Turkey.
English commentary will be provided on BBC, RTÉ Player and SBS On Demand.
‼️ Outside one of these countries? Use Norton VPN to unlock your stream from anywhere in the world — more on that below.
Watch New Zealand vs Belgium from anywhere
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How to watch New Zealand vs Belgium in the UK
In the UK, you can stream New Zealand vs Belgium on BBC One. The build-up starts at 3:50am, ahead of the kick-off at 4:00am.
How to watch New Zealand vs Belgium in the US
In the US, you can stream New Zealand vs Belgium on FS1.
This channel is accessible via Fox's own streaming platform Fox One or via a cord-cutting platform such as YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Sling (select markets), Fubo or DirecTV.
How to watch New Zealand vs Belgium in Australia
In Australia, you can watch New Zealand vs Belgium on the free SBS On Demand.
New Zealand vs Belgium: World Cup 2026 Preview
Thrashed 4-0 by Haiti in one of their final World Cup warm-up games, New Zealand always seemed unlikely to advance from Group G. The All Whites came into the tournament in woeful form, having won only one of their past 11 matches.
Though still searching for a first World Cup win at the ninth attempt, New Zealand have shown in their opening two games that they carry a genuine attacking threat. Elijah Just took both his goals extremely well in the 2-2 draw with Iran, while their set-piece prowess was on display even in defeat by Egypt, when Finn Surman headed home Tim Payne’s well-placed corner. They've also got Nottingham Forest plunderer Chris Wood.
The problem lies at the other end of the pitch. The Kiwis have conceded five goals in two tournament games and there is little boss Darren Bazeley can do to shake things up at the back, with his other defensive options consisting of unproven A-League players and 36-year-old defender Tommy Smith, who was relegated to the English sixth tier last year with Braintree.
This is in stark contrast to a Belgium squad packed with talent that feature for some of Europe’s top clubs. However, Garcia has been unable to get his players to deliver a performance of note and there is genuine concern they will suffer a second successive group-stage exit.
The return of Jeremy Doku, who missed the Iran game to attend the birth of his first child, could give the side some much-needed impetus but may not last 90 minutes. The Red Devils also need much more from the experienced quartet of Lukaku, De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard.
Belgium really should have far too much for New Zealand, but this is a side low on confidence and feeling extremely under pressure. An early goal would likely do them wonders.
New Zealand vs Belgium: Group G
FourFourTwo's prediction
New Zealand 1-2 Belgium
FourFourTwo expects the Red Devils to do just enough to secure the vital three points they need to advance.
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