Belgium secured first place in Group G after a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand at BC Place Vancouver, bringing a premature end to the All Whites’ FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign.

The Red Devils dictated the tempo from the opening whistle, navigating a high-scoring second half to edge ahead of Egypt on goal difference and secure top billing in the section.

Trossard Sets Belgium on Their Way

Domenico Tedesco’s side took a deserved lead in the 28th minute through Leandro Trossard. The Arsenal forward reacted quickest inside the six-yard box, nudging the ball home after the New Zealand defense failed to clear a dangerous, in-swinging corner from the left flank.

Belgium maintained their stranglehold on the match after the interval, and it took just five minutes of the second half for Trossard to strike again. After his initial effort was blocked by a recovering defender, he made no mistake with the rebound, lashing the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-0.

De Bruyne Sets Historic Milestone

In the 66th minute, captain Kevin De Bruyne added a third with a touch of class. The midfielder swept a sweet, low strike into the bottom corner from outside the penalty area. At 34 years and 363 days old, the goal made De Bruyne the oldest player ever to score for Belgium at a FIFA World Cup.

New Zealand refused to throw in the towel and managed to pull a goal back in the 84th minute when Elijah Just unleashed a fine, clinical strike to beat the Belgian goalkeeper.

Late Flurry Confirms First Place

Any hopes of a dramatic New Zealand comeback were instantly extinguished just two minutes later. Powerhouse striker Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to pounce on a loose ball, lifting his side back into a comfortable lead and crucially elevating Belgium to the summit of Group G on goal difference.

Alexis Saelemaekers then put the icing on the cake in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home a fifth goal to complete the rout.

With the group stage concluded, Belgium will now travel to Seattle for a Round of 32 clash on July 1 against one of the best third-placed teams from Group A, E, H, I, or J. New Zealand exits the tournament in fourth place, while Egypt joins the Belgians in the knockouts as group runners-up.