New Zealand vs Belgium Predicted Lineups & Team News

A pair of draws against Egypt and Iran has left Belgium needing a result against New Zealand to qualify for the knockout rounds of the World Cup. The All Whites have their own ambitions as a victory could secure their place in the last 32.

Belgium go into this game in third place in Group G, level on points with Iran in second and two behind leaders Egypt, while New Zealand prop up the table with one point from their opening two games. Here's all the team news, key players and predicted lineups ahead of the game.

New Zealand

New Zealand were beaten 3-1 by Egypt last time out, but their opening 1-1 draw with Iran gives the All Whites hope of progressing to the knockout rounds of the World Cup if they can beat Belgium in Vancouver.

Getting past the Red Devils is no easy task, but a one-off game certainly gives New Zealand a chance and manager Darren Bazeley will hope to get Nottingham Forest forward Chris Wood firing at the head of their attack.

New Zealand are set to line-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Callum McCowatt and Elijah Just charged with providing penetration from wide areas.

Liberato Cacace is likely to continue at left-back, while Sarpreet Singh will offer support to Wood up top. Qualification is on the line for New Zealand and the Kiwis will hope for a big performance in Vancouver.

Belgium

Belgium have yet to click at the World Cup, and as a result, they are facing elimination if they fail to pick up a point or three against New Zealand.

Rudi Garcia can still call on top-level performers Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, but those ageing stars have failed to deliver and there has been little assistance from elsewhere.

Leandro Trossard has failed to make an impact and it's the same for fellow forward Jeremy Doku, who has at least returned to the squad after missing the game against Iran to be at the birth of his child.

Garcia will be forced into changes in Vancouver with defender Nathan Ngoy suspended and Doku and Zeno Koen Debast struggling for fitness.

Belgium are set to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Koni De Winter replacing Ngoy and Alexis Saelemaekers coming in for Doku.

The pressure is on in Vancouver and the Red Devils need to deliver.

Chris Wood (New Zealand)

Chris Wood is New Zealand’s class act and the Nottingham Forest striker will be key to any Kiwi success. The 34-year-old is the All Whites biggest goal threat and also provides the physical presence to hold up the ball and link play.

Belgium are weakened by the suspension of Nathan Ngoy and any hopes New Zealand have of qualification are likely to rest on Wood, who has assisted two of New Zealand's three goals in the tournament so far, even if he has yet to find the back of the net

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Kevin De Bruyne has cut a frustrated and disappointed figure in Belgium’s opening two matches with his team-mates unable to reach the former Manchester City playmaker’s level.

However, any goal threat is likely to be provided by the 34-year-old and Belgium will be relying on the Napoli man to unlock the New Zealand defence.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com