Belgium crush New Zealand 5-1 to win Group G and advance at 2026 World Cup

De Bruyne takes charge

Belgium finally ignited their World Cup campaign after two drab draws, overwhelming New Zealand 5-1 at BC Place on Friday. Kevin De Bruyne, criticised after goalless outings against Egypt and Iran, responded with a masterclass: his corner set up Trossard's 28th-minute opener, a threaded through ball teed up Trossard's second after the break, and a low drive from the edge of the box made it 3-0 in the 66th minute. The 34-year-old became the oldest Belgian to score at a World Cup, and his display drew chants of 'Oh Kevin De Bruyne' from the stands.

Oldies silence the critics

Coach Rudi Garcia had faced questions over his veteran core, but he pointed to the pitch for an answer. Romelu Lukaku, dropped to the bench, came on to head the fourth soon after New Zealand had pulled one back, making him and De Bruyne the first Belgians to score at three World Cups. Alexis Saelemaekers added a fifth in stoppage time. Trossard, who also struck the post early and earned a penalty overturned by VAR, described the mood as 'very good' and said the team is 'growing into the tournament'.

New Zealand's campaign ends with a lesson

New Zealand finished bottom of the group on one point, though they had led against both Iran and Egypt earlier. Elijah Just scored his third goal of the tournament to make it 3-1 in the 84th minute, but the damage was already done. Coach Darren Bazeley said his side gave themselves a platform in their first two matches but failed to take it: 'We needed to pick up our points in the first two games and we gave ourselves the opportunity, and we didn't take it.'

Coach and player reflections

Bazeley stressed that most of his squad will be back in four years' time and that the pain of elimination should fuel improvement. Striker Chris Wood noted that playing top opponents is how the team progresses, and called for more New Zealanders to move to bigger leagues. Belgium's Thibaut Courtois likened the goal rush to ketchup: 'When the first one falls, we are liberated, and then the goals come.'

“Now, we haven't won anything yet but we moved on to the next phase, but thank goodness we had a difference of four goals and that gave us the opportunity to be first of the group.”

The path ahead

Belgium will face one of the eight best third-placed teams in the round of 32 on 1 July, with the game likely to be held in nearby Seattle. A win there could set up a potential last-16 meeting with hosts United States. Egypt, who drew 1-1 with Iran, also finished on five points but had an inferior goal difference, leaving them second and also through to the knockout stage.

Belgium5

Egypt5

Iran3

New Zealand1

Belgium

5

Egypt

5

Iran

3

New Zealand

1

Data from the article text