Belgium wrapped up their group stage matches in the 2026 World Cup in spectacular fashion, delivering a commanding 5-1 victory against New Zealand at Vancouver's BC Place this Friday. This resounding win secured their top position in Group G, propelling them into the round of 16.
The Red Devils came into the game under pressure, having only secured two points from two previous matches—a 1-1 draw with Egypt on June 15 in Seattle and a scoreless tie with Iran on June 21 in Los Angeles. These results left them tied with Iran and trailing behind Egypt in the standings, making a win essential to avoid relying on other outcomes for qualification.
The standout performer of the match was Leandro Trossard. The Arsenal forward initially broke the deadlock in the 28th minute by pouncing on a loose ball in the box, and he doubled Belgium's lead in the 50th minute, scoring off his own rebound attempt. Trossard's brace effectively put Belgium in control with a 2-0 lead early in the second half.
Kevin De Bruyne further cemented Belgium's dominance with a goal in the 66th minute, quelling any lingering uncertainty about the match's outcome. New Zealand managed to score a consolation goal through E. Just in the 84th minute, despite Just having been cautioned with a yellow card earlier in the 56th minute.
Belgium's response was swift: Romelu Lukaku, who entered the game just a minute earlier as a substitute for De Ketelaere, sealed the match with a goal in the 86th minute, finalizing the score at 5-1. It marked one of the tournament's most impactful substitute performances.
Match statistics clearly illustrated Europe's dominance throughout the 90 minutes. Belgium took 34 shots compared to New Zealand's six, with nine on target versus the oceanic team's mere two. Belgium also controlled 55% of possession. The New Zealanders committed 10 fouls against Belgium's seven, and they received two yellow cards—Stamenic in the 46th minute and Just in the 56th—while Belgium remained card-free.
New Zealand, entering the match with just one point and on the brink of elimination after a 2-2 draw with Iran and a 1-3 loss to Egypt, concluded their World Cup campaign with three matches played, no victories, one draw, two losses, four goals scored, and ten conceded.
With this victory, Belgium finished first in Group G of the 2026 World Cup with five points—a win and two draws—outperforming Egypt through goal difference, as both teams were tied on points. Iran ended third with three points, and New Zealand finished last with one.
The Red Devils are set to play their round of 16 match on July 1 in Seattle, eager to demonstrate that their triumph over New Zealand heralds a stronger showing in the tournament.
Belgium's World Cup Performance and Group G Standings
How did Belgium advance to the round of 16 in the World Cup?
Belgium advanced to the round of 16 by defeating New Zealand 5-1, securing the top position in Group G based on goal difference over Egypt.
Who were the key players in Belgium's victory over New Zealand?
Leandro Trossard was instrumental with two goals, while Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku also contributed significantly to Belgium's victory.
What were the key statistics from the Belgium vs. New Zealand match?
Belgium had 34 shots with nine on target, dominated possession with 55%, and committed fewer fouls compared to New Zealand's 10 fouls and two yellow cards.