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Belgium sealed top spot in Group G with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup group match on Saturday, setting up a favourable Round of 32 tie.
Leandro Trossard starred for the Red Devils with two goals, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net in an emphatic display in Vancouver. Elijah Just scored New Zealand’s consolation goal late in the second half.
Belgium took the lead in the 28th minute through Trossard after dominating possession and creating several chances. The Arsenal forward doubled the advantage five minutes into the second half before captain De Bruyne curled home Belgium’s third in the 66th minute.
New Zealand briefly threatened a comeback when Motherwell winger Elijah Just fired past Thibaut Courtois in the 84th minute to make it 3-1. However, Belgium restored their three-goal cushion almost immediately as substitute Lukaku powered home a header just two minutes after coming on.
Saelemaekers completed the rout deep into stoppage time, finishing off a move created by Lukaku to cap a convincing Belgian performance.
The victory ensured Belgium finished first in Group G, edging Egypt on goal difference after both teams ended the group stage on seven points. New Zealand exited the tournament without a point despite showing resilience in their three matches.
Belgium will now head into the Round of 32 full of confidence after ending the group phase with two successive victories and 10 goals scored, while New Zealand’s World Cup campaign comes to an end despite a spirited effort against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
