Belgium advance to World Cup knockouts with 5-1 win over New Zealand
Leandro Trossard’s brace helped Belgium advance to the World Cup knockout round after a 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver, topping Group G with a commanding performance.
Trossard double sends Belgium through
Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium surged to a dominant win that secured their place at the top of Group G. The forward’s first came from a chaotic sequence in the 28th minute and his second arrived early in the second half, turning a tight match into a rout.
Belgium’s attack opened up after the break and Trossard’s early second-half strike capitalized on a defensive lapse to hand his side control. The result ended a slow start to the tournament and confirmed Belgium would advance to the round of 16.
Belgium finish top of Group G and set knockout path
The victory lifted Belgium to first in Group G and set up a round-of-16 meeting against a third-place finisher on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Seattle. That path was clarified while Egypt and Iran played to a 1-1 draw in the simultaneous group finale.
Prior to Friday’s match, Belgium had managed only two draws in their opening games — a 1-1 tie with Egypt and a scoreless draw with Iran — leaving their qualification in doubt. The 5-1 result provided a decisive response and moved the Red Devils out of the precarious position created by those earlier draws.
Key moments shaped the match outcome
Early in the contest, goal-line technology reviewed a near-goal for Trossard and ruled the ball remained out until a later scramble produced the opener. A potential penalty for New Zealand after a handball call on Finn Surman was overturned by video review, with officials deeming the arm in a natural position.
Belgium’s rhythm slipped at times but regained urgency in the second half, with Kevin De Bruyne producing a long-range strike in the 66th minute that effectively sealed the contest. Romelu Lukaku added a headed goal in the 86th minute and Alexis Saelemaekers capped the scoring in stoppage time, rounding out a comprehensive attacking display.
New Zealand’s bid for a first World Cup win falls short
New Zealand needed an outright victory to keep hopes of progressing alive, but the All Whites were unable to contain Belgium’s forward thrusts. Elijah Just did score in the 84th minute to prevent a shutout, but the goal came too late to alter the group outcome.
The result leaves New Zealand without a victory at the World Cup and heading home after a campaign that included a 3-1 loss to Egypt and a 2-2 draw with Iran earlier in the group. Their elimination underscores the gap they faced in converting promising moments into sustained pressure against top-tier opposition.
Individual milestones and squad notes
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made his 18th World Cup appearance for Belgium, surpassing Enzo Scifo’s national record and adding a personal milestone to the night. Jérémy Doku returned to the starting XI after missing the prior match through illness; he had briefly traveled to London during the tournament for the birth of his son and trained only once in the previous week.
Kevin De Bruyne’s long-range effort prompted an emotional reaction from the sellout crowd in Vancouver, and Lukaku’s late header drew a celebratory response from the striker and spectators alike. The blend of experienced leaders and in-form attackers gave Belgium the firepower they had lacked earlier in the group stage.
Belgium advance with momentum and will aim to carry the confidence from a clinical group finale into the knockout phase, where single-elimination stakes will demand consistency and control.
