Belgium finally delivered the attacking performance their supporters had been waiting for, beating New Zealand 5-1 in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G match at BC Place in Vancouver. The result sent Belgium into the Round of 32 as group winners, while New Zealand were eliminated after finishing bottom of the group with one point.
The pressure before kick-off was clear. Belgium had drawn their first two matches against Egypt and Iran, leaving them needing a strong result to guarantee progression. New Zealand also still had a slim chance of advancing, but they needed a victory and help from the other group match between Egypt and Iran. Instead, Belgium took control and produced their most convincing display of the tournament so far. Their position had already become difficult after Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1 earlier in the group stage.
Belgium dominated the first half with possession, width and constant pressure. Leandro Trossard nearly scored early, and a Belgian penalty award was later overturned after a VAR review. The breakthrough finally came in the 28th minute. Kevin De Bruyne’s corner caused problems inside the box, and the ball dropped kindly for Trossard, who reacted quickly to finish from close range and make it 1-0.
New Zealand struggled to escape Belgium’s pressure before half-time. The All Whites defended with effort, but they lacked attacking rhythm and rarely troubled Thibaut Courtois. Belgium, meanwhile, looked sharper every time De Bruyne found space between the lines.
The second goal arrived five minutes after the restart. In the 50th minute, Trossard collected a clever pass, controlled the ball well and scored his second goal of the night. That strike gave Belgium real comfort and forced New Zealand to chase the match more aggressively.
De Bruyne then added Belgium’s third in the 66th minute with a low left-footed finish from the edge of the area after being set up by Trossard. It was a deserved goal for Belgium’s most influential player, who controlled the match with his passing and decision-making.
New Zealand did find a consolation in the 84th minute when Elijah Just scored from close range, briefly making it 3-1. However, Belgium responded immediately. Romelu Lukaku, who had come off the bench, headed in the fourth goal in the 86th minute. Alexis Saelemaekers completed the scoring in the 90+4th minute after an assist from Lukaku.
From a tactical perspective, Belgium were far more balanced and efficient than in their first two matches. Trossard’s movement gave the attack freshness, De Bruyne dictated the tempo, and the substitutes added late impact. New Zealand showed spirit, but they were outclassed by Belgium’s technical quality and speed of play.
The result means Belgium finish Group G with five points, above Egypt on goal difference. Egypt also qualify in second place, while Iran finish third and New Zealand exit the tournament. Belgium will now face one of the best third-placed teams in the Round of 32, with renewed confidence after their biggest win of the group stage.