Belgium Beat New Zealand : Belgium delivered a sensational performance to defeat New Zealand 5-1 and seal top spot in Group G at the FIFA World Cup 2026. ⭐ Leandro Trossard scored twice while Kevin De Bruyne inspired the Red Devils as they booked their place in the Round of 32, ending New Zealand’s hopes of progressing.
The emphatic victory ensured Belgium finished above Egypt on goal difference, with both teams collecting five points from three matches. Egypt settled for second after a 1-1 draw with Iran, while Iran finished third with three points and New Zealand ended their campaign with just one point.
Belgium will now face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams in the knockout stage.
⭐ Trossard and De Bruyne Shine for Belgium
Belgium dominated possession from the opening whistle and looked dangerous every time they attacked.
Leandro Trossard nearly opened the scoring in the 11th minute, but his effort struck the post. Moments later, Belgium thought they had won a penalty after Finn Surman’s hand appeared to block Trossard’s shot. However, following a VAR review, the referee overturned the decision, ruling the defender’s arm was in a natural position.
Belgium finally broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Kevin De Bruyne delivered a pinpoint cross for Leandro Trossard, who calmly finished from close range to make it 1-0.
⚽ Belgium Turn on the Style in the Second Half
Belgium continued their dominance after halftime.
Trossard grabbed his second goal in the 50th minute, expertly controlling De Bruyne’s through ball before volleying past the goalkeeper to double Belgium’s advantage.
New Zealand briefly threatened four minutes later when Eli Just forced Thibaut Courtois into an excellent save with the All Whites’ first shot on target.
Belgium quickly restored complete control as Kevin De Bruyne made it 3-0, finishing low into the bottom corner after another assist from Trossard. At 34 years old, De Bruyne became the oldest Belgian player to score at a FIFA World Cup.
The Red Devils added two more goals to complete a commanding 5-1 victory, underlining their credentials as serious contenders for the World Cup title.
🗣️ Leandro Trossard Reacts After Belgium’s Big Win
Speaking after the match, Trossard praised Belgium’s performance and looked ahead to the knockout rounds.
“We have performed very well. We’re happy because we finished first in the group. Now we move on to the Round of 32 and we’re ready to deliver.”
He added:
“People back home are very happy. So many watched the match, and the atmosphere for the next game will be incredible. I feel very good and I think both the team and I are growing into the tournament.”
📊 Group G Final Standings
🥇 Belgium – 5 points (+Goal Difference)
🥈 Egypt – 5 points
🥉 Iran – 3 points
❌ New Zealand – 1 point
🔥 Key Takeaways
✅ Belgium finish first in Group G.
⚽ Leandro Trossard scores twice.
🎯 Kevin De Bruyne produces another masterclass with a goal and assists.
🧤 Thibaut Courtois makes an important save to deny New Zealand.
❌ New Zealand are eliminated from FIFA World Cup 2026.
🏆 Belgium advance confidently to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s most impressive teams.