Belgium thrash New Zealand 5-1 to top World Cup Group

VANCOUVER: Belgium delivered a statement performance when it mattered most, thrashing New Zealand 5-1 on Friday to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage and finish top of Group G in dramatic fashion.

After a mixed start to their campaign, the Red Devils finally found their rhythm in Vancouver, producing a dominant display packed with goals, flair, and late drama. A brace from Leandro Trossard, along with strikes from Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers, powered Belgium into the Round of 32.

The victory allowed Belgium to leapfrog Egypt on goal difference and claim first place in the group. Egypt also advanced after drawing 1-1 with Iran, while the Iranians were left to settle for third place.

Belgium looked dangerous from the opening whistle. Trossard nearly opened the scoring early when his effort struck the inside of the post before being cleared off the line. Moments later, the Belgians thought they had won a penalty after a handball decision against New Zealand defender Finn Surman. However, VAR intervened, and the referee overturned the call.

The setback did little to slow Belgium’s momentum.

Trossard eventually broke the deadlock after reacting quickest inside a crowded penalty area following a De Bruyne corner. The Arsenal forward doubled his tally shortly after halftime, showing superb composure to control a rebound before firing past goalkeeper Max Crocombe.

With Belgium pushing for the goals needed to top the group, De Bruyne stepped up with a classy finish in the 66th minute, calmly guiding the ball into the net to make it 3-0.

Just when the result appeared settled, New Zealand found a spark through Elijah Just, whose powerful volley reduced the deficit and briefly altered the group standings.

That goal suddenly placed Belgium behind Egypt on goal difference, creating a tense finale.

But Belgium responded instantly. Substitute Lukaku needed less than a minute to make his mark, heading home with his first touch of the game in the 86th minute. The goal restored Belgium to the top of the group before Saelemaekers completed the rout with a stunning strike from outside the box.

The emphatic victory sends Belgium into the knockout rounds brimming with confidence, while New Zealand’s World Cup journey comes to an end. For the Red Devils, the real challenge—and opportunity—now begins.