Get the official New Zealand vs Belgium confirmed lineups, team news, and our expert prediction. Find the best odds and bet builder tips for this clash.
New Zealand vs Belgium Confirmed Lineups
Competition | World Cup |
|---|---|
Match Date | Saturday 27 June 2026 |
Kick-off Time | 04:00 UK time |
Venue | BC Place Vancouver |
The starting lineups for the World Cup fixture between New Zealand and Belgium have been confirmed.
New Zealand Starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI: Max Crocombe, Tim Payne, Tyler Bindon, Finn Surman, Liberato Cacace, Marko Stamenic, Joe Bell, Ryan Thomas, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just, Chris Wood
Substitutes: Alex Rufer, Logan Rogerson, Michael Woud, Tommy Smith, Lachlan Bayliss, Francis de Vries, Callum McCowatt, Nando Pijnaker, Jesse Randall, Alex Paulsen, Callan Elliot, Ben Waine, Kosta Barbarouses, Michael Boxall, Ben Old
Belgium Starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI: Thibaut Courtois, Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper, Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken, Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere
Substitutes: Alexis Saelemaekers, Koni De Winter, Axel Witsel, Amadou Onana, Mike Penders, Thomas Meunier, Dodi Lukébakio, Diego Moreira, Senne Lammens, Nicolas Raskin, Romelu Lukaku, Joaquin Seys, Matias Fernandez-Pardo
New Zealand vs Belgium Immediate Reaction
New Zealand
New Zealand have set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation for this World Cup clash, spearheaded by veteran striker Chris Wood in attack. Sarpreet Singh starts in the advanced central playmaker role, supported by wide options Elijah Just and Ryan Thomas. Joe Bell and Marko Stamenic form the midfield double pivot, while Tyler Bindon and Finn Surman partner in the heart of defence ahead of goalkeeper Max Crocombe.
Belgium
Belgium also deploy a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Charles De Ketelaere selected to lead the line ahead of Romelu Lukaku, who is named among the substitutes. Kevin De Bruyne captains the side from his preferred attacking midfield role, flanked by Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard. Hans Vanaken and Youri Tielemans form the central midfield partnership, while Brandon Mechele and Arthur Theate line up in central defence in front of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
New Zealand vs Belgium Reactive Bet Builder
For this encounter, our suggested Bet Builder focuses on Belgium's attacking dominance and Kevin De Bruyne's key role in the final third. The selections include Kevin De Bruyne to have over 0.5 shots on target and over 2.5 total shots, reflecting his clinical presence and tendency to test the goalkeeper from distance. Additionally, the bet builder backs Belgium to score over 3.5 goals and win over 9.5 corners, highlighting the immense offensive pressure expected from Domenico Tedesco's side against the New Zealand defense.
New Zealand vs Belgium Prediction After Confirmed Lineups
With Belgium deploying a highly attacking lineup featuring Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, and Leandro Trossard supporting Charles De Ketelaere, the Red Devils are heavily favored to dominate proceedings in Vancouver. New Zealand's hopes will largely rest on Chris Wood's physical presence up front and a disciplined low block, but they face a monumental task in keeping Belgium's fluid front line quiet. Given the quality differential in both squads and Belgium's offensive depth, a comfortable victory is expected for the European side.
Score Prediction: 1-3
Disclaimer
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