Belgium know they need to take three points from their final group stage match against New Zealand to secure progress to the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. Get our New Zealand vs Belgium bet-builder tips here.
We’ve been studying the form, data and markets to combine three selections in a 12/1 bet-builder on the match.
Check out our selections below.
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Maxim de Cuyper 1+ shot on target
Maxim de Cuyper was one player that Rudi Garcia decided to introduce to the starting line-up against Iran after a poor showing in the opening game against Egypt. Though not known for his shooting with his club team Brighton & Hove Albion, the left-back was constantly testing the Iran backline with attempts in that game.
In the end, the 25 year old completed the match with no fewer than five shots taken – four of which ended up on target. In fact, he definitely should’ve put the Red Devils ahead in the latter stages as he pounced on a loose ball in the box only to see Alireza Beiranvand make arguably the best save of the tournament so far.
Don’t expect the lack of goals from that accumulative 0.89 xG to deter de Cuyper from taking more shots at goal in this game. Don’t expect his lack of finishing touch against Iran to prevent him from remaining in Garcia’s starting line up either.
Callum McCowatt 1+ shot on target
On the New Zealand side of things, Callum McCowatt is the man we’re keeping an eye on. We expect Chris Wood to record at least one shot on target, possible from a set-piece chance, but the odds are negiligible on the Nottingham Forest man. McCowatt on the other hand, adds genuine value to this bet.
The 27 tear old has taken four shots in total at this summer’s World Cup so far, three of which were on target including both of his attempts in the 3-1 defeat to Egypt last time out. Against a possession-heavy opponent, his pace will be important for the All Whites on the break here.
While Belgium are expected to dominate, don’t forget that New Zealand also need a win in order to progress. McCowatt is the kind of player capable of the spectacular, so we anticipate him getting some shots off in the hope of springing a surprise against the Europeans.
Brandon Mechele 1+ shot on target
Although New Zealand look strong from set-pieces, Belgium know that they may need to find the breakthrough from less obvious places against an opponent that is expected to sit deep and frustrate as much as possible here.
One man they could turn to as a target at set-pieces is Brandon Mechele. The 33 year old will perhaps be surprised to find himself as a regular starter, but he’s actually been one of the Red Devils’ main threats from set-pieces in the tournament. With three shots, one on target so far, it’s clear that he’s become a target – and he has scored 31 goals at club level from centre-back for Club Brugge.
This one feels even more likely to land eventually if Belgium need to keep pushing for a goal. That being said, don’t lose faith if it doesn’t look like landing until late in the game.
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