Belgium Cruise Past New Zealand to Top Group G and Reach World Cup Knockout Stage

2026 FIFA World Cup contenders Belgium produced an emphatic performance to secure first place in Group G with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand on Friday, sealing their place in the knockout stage after a slow start to the tournament.

After drawing their opening two matches against Egypt and Iran, Belgium needed a strong result to guarantee progression. The team responded with its most convincing display so far, led by two goals from Leandro Trossard, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net.

The victory, combined with the 1-1 draw between Egypt and Iran in the other Group G fixture, lifted Belgium to the top of the standings. The Belgians will now face a third-placed team in the Round of 32 on Wednesday in Seattle.

Belgium nearly opened the scoring in the early stages when Trossard thought he had crossed the line, only for goal-line technology to rule otherwise. Minutes later, New Zealand survived another scare after a potential handball by defender Finn Surman was overturned following a video review.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 28th minute when Trossard reacted quickest during a goalmouth scramble, sending the ball off the crossbar and into the net. It marked Belgium’s first goal scored by one of its own players at a World Cup since the 2022 tournament, after its only goal earlier in this competition came through an own goal.

Trossard doubled Belgium’s advantage shortly after halftime by converting a rebound that deflected off a New Zealand defender. De Bruyne effectively sealed the result in the 66th minute with a powerful long-range strike before celebrating with supporters in the packed Vancouver stadium.

New Zealand briefly gave its fans something to cheer when Elijah Just scored in the 84th minute. However, Belgium quickly restored its dominance as Lukaku headed home two minutes later before Saelemaekers added a fifth during stoppage time.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia welcomed the team’s improved finishing but cautioned against looking beyond the next round. He said Belgium’s immediate focus remains winning its Round of 32 match before thinking about potential future opponents.

Trossard also credited the team’s persistence after creating opportunities in its opening games without converting them. He said Belgium finally made its chances count and was pleased to finish top of the group.

The match also marked a personal milestone for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made his 18th World Cup appearance to become Belgium’s most-capped player in the tournament, surpassing the previous record held by Enzo Scifo.

For New Zealand, the defeat ended its campaign without a victory. The All Whites, who had drawn with Iran and lost to Egypt earlier in the tournament, were unable to keep their hopes alive despite entering the final group match needing a win. Elijah Just, who finished with three goals in the competition, praised his teammates’ effort but admitted the result was disappointing as New Zealand exited the tournament.