Belgium Crushes New Zealand 5-1 to Top Group G
Photo: REUTERS
Belgium delivered a masterclass at BC Place Vancouver, dismantling New Zealand 5-1 to secure the top position in Group G at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
This dominant performance officially eliminated the All Whites from the competition.
The Red Devils asserted control from the opening whistle. Leandro Trossard broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, poking the ball home from inside the six-yard box after New Zealand failed to clear a corner.
Five minutes after the interval, Trossard struck again, lashing in a rebound for his second goal.
Kevin De Bruyne made history in the 66th minute with a low strike from outside the penalty area. At 34 years and 363 days old, De Bruyne became the oldest player to score for Belgium in a World Cup.
New Zealand briefly countered when Elijah Just found the net in the 84th minute, but Belgium responded with authority. Romelu Lukaku headed home just two minutes later to reclaim momentum, and Alexis Saelemaekers added a fifth goal deep in stoppage time.
Belgium now advances to the Round of 32 in Seattle on 1 July, where they will face a third-placed team from Group A, E, H, I, or J.
