Belgium Seal Top Spot with Dominant Victory
Leandro Trossard scored a brace as Belgium cruised to a 5-1 victory over New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada. The win confirmed Belgium's place at the top of the group and secured their qualification to the Round of 32.
Belgium had struggled for consistency in their opening two matches, but they responded emphatically against New Zealand. Their progression was further assured after Egypt's draw with Iran earlier in the day.
First-Half Dominance
Belgium controlled the match from the outset, with New Zealand failing to register a single shot in the first half. Trossard came close to earning a penalty when his effort struck Finn Surman's arm, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Trossard scored from close range following a goalmouth scramble. The Arsenal forward doubled his tally early in the second half with an acrobatic finish after his initial attempt was saved by New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe.
De Bruyne and Lukaku Shine
Kevin De Bruyne added a third goal for Belgium with a precise curling strike from outside the box after Trossard's driving run created space. New Zealand pulled one back through Elijah Just, but Belgium quickly restored control as Romelu Lukaku rose highest to head home and extend the lead to 4-1.
Lukaku later turned provider, setting up Alexis Saelemaekers to complete the scoring with the final touch of the match. According to match statistics, Belgium dominated possession with 68% and outshot New Zealand 18-4, according to FIFA.
Group G Implications
With this win, Belgium finished top of Group G with 7 points, while New Zealand were eliminated after managing only 1 point from their three matches. Belgium will now face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the Round of 32, aiming to improve on their quarterfinal exit in 2022.
