Belgium top Group G after 5-1 win sends New Zealand out
Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium reached the World Cup last 32 and New Zealand were eliminated in Vancouver.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Belgium advanced to the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds with a 5-1 win over New Zealand in Vancouver, a result that ended the All Whites’ tournament. Al Jazeera and AFP reported that Belgium finished first in Group G, ahead of Egypt on goal difference, after recording their first victory of the competition.
Leandro Trossard scored twice for Belgium, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. Elijah Just scored New Zealand’s lone goal late in the match.
The result sent Belgium into the last 32 as group winners. Egypt took second place after drawing 1-1 with Iran in Seattle, while Iran finished third and must wait to learn whether it will continue in the tournament, Al Jazeera and AFP reported.
Belgium take control after VAR reprieve
Belgium created the early danger at BC Place, with Trossard striking the inside of the post from an angle before Tyler Binden cleared the ball off the line, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. The European side then appeared to win a penalty when Trossard’s shot hit defender Finn Surman’s arm.
Jordanian referee Adham Mohammad initially pointed to the spot, but changed the call after a VAR review, Al Jazeera and AFP reported. New Zealand survived that moment, but Belgium soon turned their pressure into the opening goal.
Trossard scored from close range after a De Bruyne corner caused trouble in the six-yard box, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. The goal gave Belgium the lead after a first half in which New Zealand struggled to contain repeated attacks.
Trossard and De Bruyne push Belgium clear
Trossard added his second goal five minutes into the second half, controlling a rebound in traffic and volleying past New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe at the near post, Al Jazeera and AFP reported. The goal put Belgium in firm control of the match.
De Bruyne made it 3-0 in the 66th minute with a low finish, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. That goal was significant in the group table because it moved Belgium ahead of Egypt on goal difference.
New Zealand briefly changed the picture when Just volleyed in from the edge of the area to cut the deficit to 3-1, Al Jazeera and AFP reported. That goal affected the goal-difference race and moved Belgium back into second place at that point.
Belgium responded late. Lukaku came on as a substitute and scored with his first touch in the 86th minute, heading in Belgium’s fourth goal just a minute after entering the match, according to Al Jazeera and AFP.
Saelemaekers completed the scoring with a shot from the edge of the area, Al Jazeera and AFP reported. The late goals restored Belgium’s hold on first place in Group G and confirmed New Zealand’s exit from the World Cup.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.