Vancouver, Jun 27 (V7N) – Belgium produced a dominant display to defeat New Zealand 5-1 in their final Group-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, securing top spot in the group and advancing to the knockout stage. The defeat ended New Zealand's World Cup campaign.
Leandro Trossard starred for the Red Devils with a brilliant brace, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net in the emphatic victory at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
Belgium began the match on the front foot, creating several early chances but struggling to break through New Zealand's disciplined defence. The European side missed two clear scoring opportunities before finally taking the lead in the 28th minute.
Trossard opened the scoring by reacting quickest to a goalmouth scramble following a corner kick, calmly putting the ball into the net to give Belgium a deserved 1-0 advantage at halftime.
Belgium returned after the break with renewed intensity and doubled their lead just three minutes into the second half. Hans Vanaken combined well with Kevin De Bruyne before setting up Trossard inside the penalty area. Although goalkeeper Max Crocombe saved the first attempt, Trossard made no mistake with the rebound, firing home his second goal of the match.
The Belgian attack continued to dominate, with Kevin De Bruyne adding the third goal before Romelu Lukaku extended the lead further during a commanding spell between the 66th and 86th minutes.
New Zealand managed to pull one goal back during the second half, but any hopes of a comeback were short-lived.
Belgium completed the rout in stoppage time when Alexis Saelemaekers found the back of the net to seal a comprehensive 5-1 victory.
The win ensured Belgium finished at the top of their group and progressed to the Round of 32 as group champions, while New Zealand bowed out of the tournament after failing to secure qualification for the knockout stage.
END/SMA/AJ
