Win or lose for Belgium at the Mundial: 'I see a calm team'
A crucial match is set for Belgium against New Zealand on the night of Friday to Saturday; a draw could be enough to get through to the knock-outs, while New Zealand need a win to stay alive in the tournament.
A crucial match is set for Belgium on the night of Friday to Saturday at Mundial 2026. A draw against New Zealand is almost enough for the Red Devils to secure progress to the knock-out phase, while New Zealand need a win to stay alive.
Belgium have yet to win the tournament, but they still have a chance of making it to the next round. A loss against New Zealand could be dangerous — it could be the end of their campaign.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://webp.vi.cdn.pxr.nl/news/2026/06/26/7917cc35169328bd438c8b37168b58b42f614468.jpg?width=1800" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>Since New Zealand needs to win to advance, coach Garcia expects to have more space compared to the previous group against Iran. "That can be an advantage. At some point, they have to attack, sooner or later. It can give us more space than against Iran, whose entire defense—eleven players—played about thirty meters from the own goal. We must be ready in all situations: score against a low block defense, and take advantage of the space that appears when they open the game. We saw in the friendly against Croatia and in the qualification against Wales that we are dangerous when there is space," said Garcia.
Despite being the favorite on paper, the coach doesn't feel too much pressure. "I see a calm team. Motivated and determined. This gives confidence. New Zealand has quality, but we only have one goal: to get five points and pass to the last-16. We are interested in no other result than winning," he added.
The obvious tactical challenge for Belgium will be balancing the defense when they concede attack and capitalizing on the opportunities that open up as New Zealand try to break down their defence. The result of this match will determine whether Belgium's journey to Mundial 2026 continues or ends.
