Vancouver: Belgium have secured a place in the World Cup knockout stage after producing an impressive 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver. The convincing result lifted Belgium to the top of Group G on goal difference and confirmed their place in the last 32, while New Zealand exited the tournament after collecting just one point from three matches.
Belgium dominated from the opening whistle and deservedly took the lead in the 28th minute. Kevin De Bruyne’s corner created confusion inside the New Zealand penalty area before Leandro Trossard reacted quickest to score from close range after the ball deflected off defender Tim Payne.
The Belgian side continued to create chances and doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half. De Bruyne found Trossard with a precise pass, and although the forward’s first attempt was blocked, he calmly volleyed the rebound into the net for his second goal of the match.
Mission accomplished. ❤️🔥 #NZLBEL#ScoredWithING pic.twitter.com/2IfcobtxBp
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 27, 2026
Belgium effectively sealed the contest in the 66th minute when De Bruyne added his name to the scoresheet with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty area. New Zealand briefly reduced the deficit through Elijah Just, who scored his third goal of the tournament. Still, Belgium responded almost immediately as substitute Romelu Lukaku headed home less than a minute after entering the pitch.
Another substitute, Alexis Saelemaekers, completed the scoring in stoppage time to cap an outstanding performance. The victory marked Belgium’s strongest display of the tournament after two disappointing opening matches and ensured they progressed to the knockout rounds with renewed confidence.
Belgium will now face one of the tournament’s third-placed qualifiers in the World Cup last 32. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s campaign came to an end after failing to build on earlier positive performances, bringing their third World Cup appearance to a close.
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