Belgium Rout New Zealand 5-1 to Win Group G and Reach World Cup Last 32

Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard struck twice as Belgium topped Group G on goal difference ahead of Egypt.

Published On 27 Jun 202627 Jun 2026

Belgium secured a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand on Friday to clinch top spot in Group G and advance to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup, eliminating the All Whites. The result delivered Belgium’s first win of the tournament as they finished first in the group at BC Place in Vancouver.

A brace from Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard, along with goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Saelemaekers, propelled Belgium into the round of 32. The Europeans edged out Egypt for first place on goal difference.

Egypt claimed the runners-up spot after a 1-1 draw with Iran in Seattle, leaving Iran third in the group and facing an anxious wait to learn their knockout fate.

Belgium dominated a one-sided first half and rattled the New Zealand defence early when Trossard’s angled shot cannoned off the inside of the post, only for Tyler Bindon to clear off the line.

The Europeans thought they had a penalty moments later when referee Adham Makhadmeh pointed to the spot after Trossard’s shot struck the arm of Finn Surman. However, a VAR review overturned the decision, offering New Zealand a brief reprieve.

The breakthrough arrived shortly after, with Trossard bundling home from close range following a chaotic goalmouth scramble from a De Bruyne corner.

Trossard effectively settled the contest five minutes into the second half, controlling a rebound in a crowded box to volley past goalkeeper Max Crocombe at the near post.

De Bruyne then added a third with an elegant low finish in the 66th minute, a crucial goal that lifted Belgium above Egypt into first place on goal difference.

New Zealand produced a dramatic consolation when Elijah Just volleyed a stunning strike from the edge of the area to make it 3-1.

The goal momentarily dropped Belgium into second place, but Lukaku restored their cushion and top spot with a header in the 86th minute, scoring with his first touch a minute after entering as a substitute.

Saelemaekers completed the rout with a composed finish from the edge of the penalty area.

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