Belgium booked their place in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Group G winners after an emphatic 5-1 victory over New Zealand at BC Place on Friday.
After opening their campaign with back-to-back draws against Egypt and Iran, the Red Devils produced their most convincing display of the tournament, finishing top of the group on goal difference ahead of Egypt, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Iran.
Belgium dominated from the opening whistle and nearly took the lead early when Leandro Trossard struck the inside of the post. The Arsenal winger remained at the heart of the attack, while a penalty awarded to Belgium for handball against Finn Surman was overturned following a VAR review.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 28th minute. Kevin De Bruyne’s corner caused confusion inside the New Zealand penalty area, allowing Trossard to react quickest and bundle the ball into the net.
Belgium doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half when Trossard latched onto a loose ball and fired a first-time volley beyond goalkeeper Max Crocombe to make it 2-0.
The Red Devils continued to dominate possession and extended their lead in the 66th minute as captain De Bruyne capped an impressive performance with a composed low finish after a flowing attacking move.
New Zealand briefly threatened a late comeback in the 84th minute when Elijah Just capitalised on a loose clearance from Thibaut Courtois and volleyed home from the edge of the area to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
However, Belgium responded almost immediately. Substitute Romelu Lukaku scored with his first touch of the match, powering home a header just a minute after coming on to restore the three-goal cushion.
Alexis Saelemaekers completed the rout deep into stoppage time with a superb strike from outside the penalty area, sealing a comprehensive 5-1 victory.
The result, coupled with Egypt’s draw against Iran, saw Belgium finish top of Group G with five points and a superior goal difference. Egypt also advanced to the knockout stage as runners-up, while Iran and New Zealand were eliminated.
Belgium will now face one of the best third-placed teams from Groups A, I or J in the Round of 32, while New Zealand’s wait for a first-ever victory at a FIFA Men’s World Cup continues after finishing bottom of the group.