Belgium face New Zealand on Saturday 27 June 2026 in a FIFA World Cup group stage fixture, part of the final round of group games before the Round of 32 knockout stage opens on 28 June. The expanded 48-team format gives every last-matchday fixture additional meaning, with three automatic qualifying slots from each group plus eight best third-placed places still up for grabs.
What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico between 11 June and 19 July 2026. It is the first edition to feature 48 nations and the first contested across three host countries. Teams are split into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed sides progressing to a new Round of 32 knockout stage.
The group stage concludes on 27 June with the final batch of fixtures played in parallel kick-off windows to protect competitive integrity. Results here set the bracket for the knockouts.
When is Belgium vs New Zealand?
Belgium vs New Zealand takes place on Saturday 27 June 2026. Exact kick-off time is confirmed in FIFA’s match schedule. As a final matchday fixture, it is played simultaneously with the other match in the same group.
Where is Belgium vs New Zealand?
The match is staged at one of 16 World Cup venues across the USA, Canada and Mexico. Host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver, Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey.
Key Contenders
Belgium arrive in North America looking to restore pride after a disappointing 2022 group stage exit that marked the end of their so-called golden generation. A younger, rebuilt Red Devils squad blends Premier League talent, Bundesliga attackers and the remaining experience of Kevin De Bruyne’s era, with the federation targeting a return to deep tournament runs.
New Zealand return to the World Cup as Oceania champions, the All Whites building on a qualifying campaign marked by resilience and improvement under their European-influenced coaching setup. Built around Premier League and European-based professionals, the squad is the strongest Oceania has sent to a finals in recent memory, though the gap to tier-one European nations remains sizeable.
How to Watch
UK viewers can watch on the BBC or ITV, with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. US coverage comes via Fox and Telemundo in English and Spanish, with games on Fox Sports and Peacock. Canadian broadcast rights sit with CTV, TSN and RDS. Australian fans have free-to-air access through SBS. FIFA+ offers official highlights globally.
History and Records
Belgium have qualified for 14 World Cups, finishing third in 2018 for their best result. New Zealand’s 2026 appearance is only their third, after 1982 and a creditable unbeaten group stage in 2010 that ended without a win but without a defeat. The sides have no recent competitive history, making this a rare senior meeting.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets are sold through the official FIFA ticketing portal at FIFA.com/tickets. Phased sales began in late 2025, with later windows including resale and hospitality packages. Prices depend on match category and seating.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Belgium vs New Zealand kick off?
Saturday 27 June 2026. Kick-off time is confirmed in FIFA’s official schedule.
Where is the match being held?
At one of 16 venues across the USA, Canada and Mexico.
How can I watch Belgium vs New Zealand?
BBC or ITV in the UK, Fox or Telemundo in the US, CTV and TSN in Canada, SBS in Australia.
When did Belgium last reach the World Cup semi-finals?
In 2018, finishing third after beating England in the bronze medal match.