Belgium sealed their spot in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup following their comprehensive 5-1 win over New Zealand in the early hours of Saturday.
The Red Devils entered the game needing a win to book their place and they secured their first of the tournament, delivering a dominant performance in Vancouver.
Leandro Trossard (2), Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers all got on the scoresheet to seal the win and avoid another shock early exit following their group stage elimination in 2022.
Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran also meant that they finished top of their group and will now face a third-placed side in the Round of 32.
Trossard goal gives Belgium first half lead
Belgium were on top for the early stages of the clash and almost went in front in the 11th minute, bur Trossard’s attempt failed to cross the line much to the relief of New Zealand.
The European side were then awarded a penalty kick moments later, but the referee overturned the decision after a review on the pitchside monitor.
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Trossard then gave Belgium the lead in the 28th minute as he reacted quickly to put the ball into the back of the net from close range and finally make their dominance count.
Belgium score four more goals to finish top of Group G
It took only five minutes for Belgium to double their tally as Trossard got his second of the game with a neat finish inside the area.
It soon became three as De Bruyne fired in a shot from outside the box, before Just pulled one back for New Zealand with a few minutes remaining in the game.
However, Lukaku, who had only come on, restored Belgium’s three-goal lead with a brilliant header. It was his sixth goal at the World Cup and he became Belgium’s all time top scorer at the tournament as well.
Saelemaekers added gloss on the win with a strike in stoppage-time, sealing an emphatic 5-1 win over New Zealand.
What Next?
Belgium will now face a third-placed team in their Round of 32 fixture. New Zealand, meanwhile, have already crashed out of the World Cup after picking up just a single point from three games.
