Belgium saved their best performance for last as they brushed aside New Zealand 5-1 in their final Group G match to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. After back-to-back draws against Egypt and Iran, the Red Devils finally found their rhythm, producing a clinical display to finish top of the group on goal difference.
Belgium finally click in attack
Leandro Trossard led the charge with a brace, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also got on the scoresheet. Belgium dominated possession from the opening whistle and created chances at will.
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Trossard opened the scoring in the first half before doubling the advantage shortly after the break. De Bruyne made it 3-0 with a composed finish as Belgium took complete control of the contest.
Kevin De Bruyne goal in New Zealand vs Belgium FIFA World Cup game pic.twitter.com/T7iIMUXsQd
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) June 27, 2026
New Zealand briefly reduced the deficit through Elijah Just in the 84th minute, but Belgium responded immediately. Lukaku restored the three-goal cushion before Saelemaekers added a fifth in stoppage time to complete an emphatic victory.
Knockout berth secured with confidence
The win ensured Belgium finished atop Group G, edging Iran on goal difference after the latter played out a 1-1 draw with Egypt. The result marked a dramatic improvement from Belgium’s opening two group-stage matches, where they were held by both Egypt and Iran.
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Lukaku’s goal also made him Belgium’s all-time leading scorer at the FIFA World Cup, while De Bruyne added another memorable milestone to his international career with a commanding midfield performance.
Belgium will now head into the Round of 32 full of confidence, where they are set to face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. For New Zealand, the defeat ended their World Cup campaign, with the Oceania side finishing bottom of Group G after collecting just one point from three matches.
