The All Whites say the FIFA World Cup 2026 has so far proven that anything is possible on the eve of their do or die match with Belgium.

New Zealand’s chances of progressing into the knockout stages for the first time ever rests on upsetting the world’s tenth ranked side, after the opening 2-2 draw with Iran and last week’s heartbreaking 3-1 loss to Egypt.

The match tomorrow kicks off in Vancouver, Canada at 3pm NZT.

A famous victory tomorrow would propel the All Whites to four points and could see them finish as automatic qualifiers out of Group G in second place should Iran not defeat Egypt. But regardless of Group G’s other result, four points would almost certainly be enough for New Zealand to progress as one of the eight best third ranked teams.

All Whites coach Darren Bazeley says the epic scenario can only be realised if his players believe they’re capable of upsetting the star studded Belgians.

"This World ​Cup there have been lots of results already, and yesterday we watched South Africa beat South Korea, ​and we just finished watching Germany get beaten by Ecuador, a team go from one point to four points and qualify.

"So yeah, we have to believe. We definitely have belief within the camp, we have ​to believe that we're good enough, we have to believe that we can go and get ​a win tomorrow and achieve what we wanted to do, and that is to try and make history and get out of the group at a World Cup.”

"The opportunity is there for us, for the players to go out and do exactly that.”

With two points to their name, Belgium come into tomorrow’s final Group G match needing to win as well, with a draw potentially not being enough to see them advance as one of the eight best third ranked teams.

All Whites defender Liberato Cacace emphasised there’s a lot at stake for both nations.

“For Belgium, you know, they've got world-class players, they're world-class players for a reason.

“So, they're going to react in ways that are world-class, they've been in tough situations before, the players have. So, we're expecting a reaction from them.

“You know, they've had two draws and they're wanting to go out just like us to win the game. We're expecting a big reaction from Belgium and, you know, we're going to match that and probably, you know, be better than them in all areas of the pitch.

“The vibe is very good around the camp.  You know, we've trained really well the last two days and there's a great sense of excitement for tomorrow.”

Darren Bazeley says before the FIFA World Cup he had expected Belgium to have already assured their place in the Round of 32 by the time they were set to face New Zealand.

“When the draw came out, we were looking at it and we were thinking it's quite a good draw for us to play Belgium last in regards to them hopefully being on six points and potentially making changes and maybe taking this game a little bit differently.

“But that hasn't worked out, like football, it never works out how you how you expect it to.

“And now I think they're under a bit of pressure, they're sitting on two draws, undefeated in, I think, 15 games. So they're on a really good run, probably haven't fired as well as they wanted to at this World Cup.

“I mean, they'll be fully aware if they don't win this game, you know, they're potentially going home as well. You know, the draw, maybe they can get away with a draw, depending on the other groups on three points.

“It'll be interesting how they react to being in this position.

Darren Bazeley says his team needed to improve their concentration in key moments, highlighting the fact the All Whites have conceded twice from crosses.

“For us, I think we, in this game, we need to be flawless.  You know, we can't make a mistake.

“There are too many really world-class players on the pitch that if we, you know, if we make a mistake, we could get punished.

“I think it's going to have to be a perfect performance in and out of possession. We're going to have to be brave, courageous on the ball.

“And, again, somebody's going to have to take a moment of quality and score a goal or two or three.

“You know, our job is to help create those chances, create those moments, and then somebody's going to have to take them like Eli did in the first game and Finn did in the second game.”

The final Group G match between the All Whites and Belgium kicks off at 3pm NZT and is available live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 1.

Article added: Friday 26 June 2026