Key Takeaways:
- Belgium secured a commanding 5-1 win over New Zealand in their final FIFA World Cup group fixture
- Leandro Trossard scored twice and was named Man of the Match, as Belgium extended their unbeaten run to 16 matches (W10, D6)
- New Zealand exited the tournament after finishing bottom of the group, still without a World Cup finals win in nine attempts
Match Overview
Belgium produced a dominant display in their concluding group game of the FIFA World Cup, dispatching New Zealand 5-1 to secure their passage to the Round of 32. The result ended New Zealand’s hopes of a first World Cup finals victory and confirmed the Red Devils as group winners, courtesy of a superior goal difference.
Belgium earn their spot in the knockouts! 💥#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 27, 2026
First Half: Belgium Set the Pace
Both teams entered their final Group G tie aware that victory would guarantee a place in the knockout rounds. However, with Belgium eager to avoid a successive group stage exit, they dictated play from the outset. Leandro Trossard went closest early on, rattling the inside of the post with a close-range effort that Tyler Bindon managed to clear off the goal line.
Shortly after, referee Adham Makhadmeh initially awarded Belgium a penalty for a Finn Surman handball, only to overturn his decision upon review, deeming Surman’s arm to be in a natural position. Belgium’s persistence was rewarded just after the first hydration interval, as a defensive lapse at a corner allowed Trossard to fire home from point-blank range for the opener.
In contrast to their earlier Group G outings, New Zealand found it difficult to threaten Thibaut Courtois, who made his 18th World Cup appearance – a record for any Belgian player.
Second Half: Belgian Attack in Full Flow
Following half-time, New Zealand’s resistance waned. Trossard capitalised in the 49th minute, volleying in a rebound after clever footwork to complete his brace. Kevin De Bruyne extended Belgium’s advantage with a precise low drive past Max Crocombe, as the Red Devils sought to overhaul Egypt at the top of the group on goal difference.
Elijah Just gave New Zealand something to celebrate, finding the net with a composed finish for his third tournament goal. However, any hope of a comeback was swiftly extinguished when Romelu Lukaku powered in a header from Nicolas Raskin’s cross. This effort marked Lukaku’s sixth World Cup goal, establishing him as Belgium’s all-time top scorer at the tournament. Substitute Alexis Saelemaekers capped off the evening by slotting home Belgium’s fifth.
