World Cup 2026: New Zealand and Belgium line up in 4-2-3-1 with Wood and De Bruyne key

New Zealand are relying on Chris Wood up front, supported in midfield by Marko Stamenić and Joe Bell. For Belgium, head coach Rudi Garcia is banking on his attacking trio of Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere, with Youri Tielemans and Hans Vanaken in ball-winning roles. This tactical duel pits a New Zealand side seeking their first points after a defeat against Egypt against a solid Belgium team still looking for a win after two matches without success.

Both sides opt for a four-man defence. New Zealand notably rely on Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Tyler Bindon and Liberato Cacace at the back, while Belgium line up Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate and Maxim De Cuyper. These choices indicate a shared desire to balance defensive solidity with attacking movement through versatile midfielders and technical wingers.

Belgium have to deal with several notable absences. Jérémy Doku, who is ill, is ruled out, as is defender Z. Debast, who has a leg injury. The suspension of defender N. Ngoy also deprives Rudi Garcia of a defensive option, which could influence the dynamic of the match. These absences put additional pressure on the starters involved to secure qualification in this Group G, where Egypt and Iran complete the list of opponents.

Reading New Zealand’s XI

New Zealand line up in a classic 4-2-3-1 with Max Crocombe in goal. The back line brings together Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Tyler Bindon and Liberato Cacace, offering a balance between experience and youth. The double pivot in defensive midfield is made up of Marko Stamenić and Joe Bell, key figures in the transition game.

In support of striker Chris Wood, midfielders Ryan Thomas, Sarpreet Singh and Elijah Just must provide attacking creativity and the link with the forward line. This setup reflects New Zealand’s desire to offer a structured game with a central striker with strong finishing potential.

Reading Belgium’s XI

Belgium also present a 4-2-3-1 under Rudi Garcia, with Thibaut Courtois in goal. The defence is built around Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate and Maxim De Cuyper. This back line is tasked with neutralising New Zealand’s attacks.

In midfield, Hans Vanaken and Youri Tielemans form the double pivot, a key area for controlling the tempo and winning the ball back. Ahead of them, Leandro Trossard and Kevin De Bruyne occupy playmaking roles while Charles De Ketelaere completes the attacking trio, supported by Jérémy Doku, who is surprisingly named in the starting line-up despite a reported unavailability. This attacking setup underlines the search for fluidity and creativity against a physically robust team.