On paper, Belgium have the strongest spine in the group.
The concern is recent momentum. The report says Belgium topped their qualifying section, but also dropped points in both games against North Macedonia and only finished above Wales on tiebreakers. That fits the wider feeling around this squad: enough quality to win the group, but not enough recent authority to remove all doubt. The opener against Egypt on June 15 could decide first place immediately.
If one side is built to disrupt Belgium, it appears to be Egypt.
What makes Egypt dangerous is the balance. They are reported to be organised defensively and sharp in transition, which is exactly the style that can punish a team still searching for rhythm. Omar Marmoush also gives them another direct threat in attack.
Iran arrive with off-field noise but on-field clarity. Mehdi Taremi is the headline name, and the opener against New Zealand on June 16 feels significant. Win that, and Iran can put real pressure on the top two.
New Zealand, by contrast, seem to have work to do. The report says they cruised through OFC qualifying, but have only won once in their last 10 matches outside that run. Chris Wood remains the key figure, yet the wider form line looks thin.
Group G may still break along expected lines, with Belgium first and Egypt close behind. But the first two matchdays should tell the real story: whether Belgium can still control a tournament group, and whether Egypt are ready to turn promise into a genuine World Cup push.