Belgium Power Past New Zealand at World Cup

Belgium delivered their best performance of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage by defeating New Zealand 5-1 in their final Group G match. Leandro Trossard led the way with two goals, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net.

As a result, the Red Devils secured first place in Group G and advanced to the knockout stage in impressive fashion.

Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpWO1X2yFjY

Belgium Needed a Win

Before kickoff, the situation in Group G remained wide open. Egypt sat at the top of the table with four points. Meanwhile, Belgium and Iran each had two points. Therefore, Belgium knew that a victory would guarantee their place in the knockout rounds.

From the opening whistle at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Belgium showed their intentions. They controlled possession and pushed New Zealand deep into their own half. Furthermore, the European side created several dangerous chances early in the match.

In the 11th minute, Leandro Trossard nearly opened the scoring. However, his effort struck the post. Even so, Belgium continued to attack with confidence.

Trossard Gives Belgium the Lead

Belgium finally scored in the 28th minute. De Bruyne sent in a corner. The ball dropped inside the box. Then, Trossard reacted quickly and scored from close range.

After that, Belgium looked more relaxed. Meanwhile, New Zealand struggled to create chances.

Belgium had more chances before halftime. However, they could not score again. Therefore, the first half ended 1-0.

Trossard was the hero for Belgium in this match.

Belgium Take Control

Belgium started the second half with the same intensity. Consequently, they doubled their advantage just five minutes after the restart.

Trossard scored a brace against New Zealand. (Photo: Reuters)

In the 50th minute, Trossard struck again to complete his brace. The Arsenal winger showed excellent positioning and composure to make it 2-0. At that point, New Zealand faced a huge challenge. Nevertheless, Belgium refused to slow down. Instead, they continued searching for more goals.

Trossard scored after two consecutive shots. (Photo: Reuters)

Kevin De Bruyne had already come close several times during the match. Eventually, the Belgian captain got his reward in the 67th minute. He unleashed a powerful long-range strike that beat goalkeeper Max Crocombe and extended Belgium’s lead to 3-0.

As a result, Belgium had one foot firmly in the knockout stage.

De Bruyne celebrates his goal. (Photo: Reuters)

New Zealand Score Late

New Zealand kept fighting. Eventually, they got a goal in the 84th minute.

Elijah Just scored to make it 3-1. It was a good moment for New Zealand. However, Belgium responded almost at once.

Just narrowed the gap for New Zealand. (Photo: Reuters)

Lukaku Makes an Instant Impact

Romelu Lukaku came on late. Then, he scored almost immediately.

In the 86th minute, Lukaku headed the ball into the net. As a result, Belgium led 4-1.

Lukaku scored with his first touch after coming on as a substitute. (Photo: Reuters)

Still, Belgium were not finished. In stoppage time, Lukaku helped create another goal. He set up Alexis Saelemaekers, who scored to make it 5-1.

Saelemaekers scored just before the final whistle. (Photo: Reuters)

Therefore, Belgium ended the match in style.

Belgium Finish Top of Group G

The win gave Belgium five points. Egypt also finished with five points. However, Belgium topped the group on goal difference.

This result was very important for the Red Devils. They had not started the tournament well. However, they improved at the right time.

Now, Belgium move into the knockout stage with confidence. They will face the United States in the Round of 16.

New Zealand vs Belgium Result

New Zealand 1-5 Belgium

Goals:
New Zealand: Elijah Just (84′)
Belgium: Leandro Trossard (28′, 50′), Kevin De Bruyne (67′), Romelu Lukaku (86′), Alexis Saelemaekers (90+4′)