World Cup 2026 Belgium Beat New Zealand 5-1 to Top Group G
BELGIUM · WORLD CUP
Key Facts
—World Cup 2026 Belgium: Belgium beat New Zealand five-one to win Group G in Vancouver.
—Goals flow at last: Trossard scored twice, with De Bruyne, Lukaku and Saelemaekers also on target.
—From third to first: Belgium had entered the day third after two opening draws.
—Group winners: The win lifted Belgium above Egypt on goal difference.
—New Zealand out: Elijah Just scored a consolation as the All Whites finished bottom.
After two stuttering draws, Belgium finally clicked, scoring five to surge from third place to the top of the group.
World Cup 2026 Belgium roar back
Belgium beat New Zealand five-one at BC Place in Vancouver on Friday night. The result sent them through as Group G winners.
According to FIFA’s official match centre, Leandro Trossard scored twice. The game came in the final round of Group G fixtures.
Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers added the others. Elijah Just scored a consolation for New Zealand.
Goals arrive in a flood
By The Rio Times’ count, Belgium scored more in this one match than in their previous two games combined. They had managed just a single goal across draws with Egypt and Iran.
The floodgates opened once the first goal went in. A frustrated attack suddenly looked irresistible.
De Bruyne pulled the strings in midfield throughout. Lukaku’s goal eased the pressure on a misfiring forward line.
The five-goal haul transformed a goal difference that had looked fragile. It also lifted spirits that had sagged after two flat performances.
From the brink to the top
Belgium had entered the final day third in the group and under pressure. Two opening draws had raised fears of an early exit.
The emphatic win flipped that narrative entirely. They finished top rather than going home.
A red card against Iran had summed up their earlier struggles. Friday was the response they needed.
Questions had grown about whether this group of players had peaked. The win bought them time and belief in equal measure.
How Group G finished
Belgium won the group with five points and a strong goal difference. Egypt also reached five points but finished second.
Iran ended on three points and were eliminated, while New Zealand finished bottom. The big win settled the order decisively.
Topping the section may ease Belgium’s path in the knockout draw. That was a welcome bonus on the night.
De Bruyne and Lukaku lead
The experienced core of the side stepped up when it mattered most. De Bruyne’s goal capped a commanding display.
Lukaku’s strike was a relief for a striker who had been quiet. Trossard’s double, though, was the headline act.
Belgium’s golden generation has been written off before. This performance was a reminder of its quality.
Saelemaekers added a fifth to round off the rout. The bench could be emptied with the result long settled.
New Zealand bow out
New Zealand leave the tournament with a single point from three games. Just’s goal at least gave their fans a moment to cheer.
The All Whites had pushed Iran close in their opener. They could not sustain that level against stronger sides.
Their campaign still marked another step for football in the region. The experience of three group games will count for the future.
Why it matters
Belgium needed a statement after a sluggish start, and they delivered one. The manner of the win will worry future opponents.
Momentum can matter as much as form heading into the knockouts. Belgium suddenly have plenty of it.
A group that began with doubts ended with a flourish. That swing of mood could prove valuable in a one-off tie.
What comes next
As group winners, Belgium advance to the round of thirty-two against a side from another section. Their opponent will be confirmed once the remaining groups conclude.
A repeat of this attacking display would make them dangerous. The defence, though, will need to tighten.
For now, Belgium can enjoy a result that transformed their tournament. The knockout rounds beckon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the New Zealand vs Belgium score?
Belgium won five-one at BC Place in Vancouver. Leandro Trossard scored twice.
Who scored for Belgium?
Trossard scored twice, with De Bruyne, Lukaku and Saelemaekers also on target. Elijah Just replied for New Zealand.
Who won Group G?
Belgium won Group G with five points on goal difference. Egypt finished second on the same total.
How did Belgium recover?
Belgium had drawn their first two games but won the decisive match five-one. That lifted them from third place to first.
Is New Zealand out of the World Cup?
Yes, New Zealand were eliminated after finishing bottom of Group G. They ended with a single point.
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