Group G

Live standings, every fixture and our model verdict on each match.

Belgium's golden generation is finished and what's left is younger, less famous and frankly more of a team. They should win this group without ever looking good. That's been Belgium in qualifying for years, so call it continuity.

The reason to watch this group is Salah. Egypt missed 2022, so he arrives at 34 with one World Cup left in him and a point to prove on the only stage he hasn't touched. One world-class forward can carry a limited side through a group like this. Iran sit deep, waste time and take their one chance — they've made better teams than Belgium miserable. New Zealand will run forever.

Verdict: Belgium first, Egypt second, Iran the nuisance if anyone slips.