Belgium thrash New Zealand to reach World Cup knockouts in style

Belgium booked their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an emphatic 5-1 victory over New Zealand at BC Place in Vancouver on Saturday, producing their most convincing performance of the tournament to finish top of Group G.

Leandro Trossard starred with a brilliant brace, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net as the Red Devils overwhelmed the All Whites in a dominant display.

The comprehensive victory, coupled with results elsewhere in the group, saw Rudi Garcia’s side leapfrog Egypt into first place and advance confidently to the Round of 32.

Belgium entered the decisive encounter knowing victory would guarantee qualification, and they wasted little time asserting their authority.

Kevin De Bruyne orchestrated play from midfield, Jérémy Doku tormented defenders with his pace, while Trossard repeatedly threatened the New Zealand backline.

The Europeans created several early chances and were initially awarded a penalty when Finn Surman’s hand appeared to block a shot inside the area.

However, following a VAR review, referee Adham Makhadmeh overturned the decision after determining the defender's arm was in a natural position.

Belgium’s pressure finally paid off in the 28th minute.

A corner caused confusion inside the New Zealand penalty area, with the defence failing to clear the danger.

The ball ricocheted kindly for Trossard, who reacted quickest to fire home from close range and hand his side a deserved lead.

Despite trailing by only one goal at half-time, New Zealand were fortunate not to be further behind after failing to register a single shot during the opening 45 minutes.

Belgium dominated possession, controlled the tempo and constantly forced goalkeeper Max Crocombe into action.

Any hopes of an All Whites comeback disappeared just five minutes into the second half.

De Bruyne initiated another slick attacking move before Hans Vanaken found Trossard inside the area.

Although Crocombe saved the first effort, the Arsenal winger reacted instantly to hammer the rebound into the roof of the net for his second goal of the evening.

Belgium continued to dictate proceedings and effectively sealed victory in the 66th minute.

After New Zealand failed to clear their lines, De Bruyne collected the loose ball outside the penalty area before driving a precise left-footed strike into the bottom corner, leaving Crocombe with no chance.

To their credit, New Zealand refused to surrender and were rewarded six minutes from time.

Elijah Just produced the goal of the match, unleashing a stunning left-footed strike from outside the penalty area after Belgium only partially cleared a corner to reduce the deficit.

Any thoughts of a late rally were quickly extinguished by Belgium’s substitutes.

Romelu Lukaku needed less than a minute after coming off the bench to restore the three-goal advantage, heading home Nicolas Raskin’s inviting cross with his first touch of the match.

Deep into stoppage time, Lukaku turned provider, squaring the ball to Alexis Saelemaekers, who drilled an unstoppable finish beyond Crocombe to complete the scoring.

The victory marked Belgium’s finest display of the tournament and highlighted the depth and quality within Garcia’s squad.

Trossard’s clinical finishing, De Bruyne’s creativity and Lukaku’s instant impact demonstrated why the Red Devils remain among Europe’s most dangerous sides.

New Zealand, the defeat brought an end to a spirited World Cup campaign.

Although the Oceania representatives showed resilience throughout the tournament and earned admiration for their commitment, they were ultimately outclassed by a Belgium side that rediscovered its best form when it mattered most.

Belgium now heads into the knockout rounds full of confidence, believing their blend of experience and attacking firepower can carry them deep into the competition as they continue their pursuit of a first FIFA World Cup title.

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