Bảng G

Theo thể thức World Cup 2026, 2 đội đứng đầu mỗi bảng đi tiếp tự động, cộng thêm 8 đội xếp thứ ba xuất sắc nhất trong tổng số 12 bảng.

Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup contains a fascinating generational storyline: two of Europe's greatest squads of the past decade — Portugal and Belgium — are drawn together, potentially forcing one of them out before the Round of 32. Portugal, powered by a new generation emerging from Cristiano Ronaldo's shadow (though he may still participate), carry the force of a country that has never won the World Cup but has never been better placed to. Belgium's golden generation, showing its age but still packed with world-class quality, may be playing their last chapter together. Iran, the Middle East's most organized footballing nation, complete an improbable group alongside Egypt, the African giants returning with genuine ambition.

Group G could plausibly be called another "Group of Death." Portugal (#6) and Belgium (#8) are two of the world's top eight ranked nations — both with aging but still formidable generations of talent, both believing their window is closing. The potential for both to exit in the group stage is low but not zero, which is what makes every match in this group consequential. Iran, consistent qualifiers with a compact tactical system, and Egypt, represented by the incomparable Mohamed Salah, ensure no match is straightforward.

**FIFA Ranking**: #6 | **Coach**: Roberto Martínez | **Best finish**: 3rd place (1966), Euro 2016 champions

Portugal's question entering 2026 is not whether they have the talent — they demonstrably do — but whether Roberto Martínez can harness it in a coherent system that advances beyond the quarter-final stage that has been their modern ceiling. Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy hangs over the squad even as the next generation of Portuguese talent — Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto — has reached a collective quality that is arguably greater than any previous Portuguese squad.

Bernardo Silva's technical brilliance and work ethic make him one of Europe's most complete midfielders. Rafael Leão's pace and directness off the left wing creates a constant threat. Rúben Dias provides defensive authority. The question is always: can Portugal peak when it matters, in the knockout stages, rather than dropping points in the group where they should dominate?

**Strengths**: Technical quality throughout the squad, Bernardo Silva's creative genius, Leão's dangerous pace, Rúben Dias' defensive leadership, Diogo Costa's shot-stopping ability.