Belgium Crush New Zealand 5-1 To Leapfrog Egypt And Reach FIFA WC Knockouts

Last Updated:June 27, 2026, 11:08 IST

Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to top Group G, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice as the Red Devils edged Egypt on goal difference to reach the knockout stage.

Belgium produced their best performance of the FIFA World Cup so far, thrashing New Zealand 5-1 on Friday to seal top spot in Group G and book a place in the round of 32.

Needing a big win to finish above Egypt on goal difference, the Red Devils delivered in style in Vancouver. Leandro Trossard struck twice, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net as Belgium leapfrogged Egypt into first place.

Egypt advanced as runners-up after a 1-1 draw against Iran, while Iran finished third and must now wait to see if they qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Belgium dominated from the opening whistle. Trossard struck the post early before a penalty awarded for handball against Finn Surman was overturned following a VAR review.

The breakthrough soon arrived, with Trossard bundling home from close range after De Bruyne’s corner created chaos inside the six-yard box. The Arsenal winger doubled Belgium’s advantage five minutes into the second half, reacting quickest to a loose ball before firing past Max Crocombe.

De Bruyne then made it 3-0 in the 66th minute with a composed finish, a goal that temporarily lifted Belgium above Egypt on goal difference.

There was one late twist. Elijah Just volleyed in New Zealand’s first goal to make it 3-1, a strike that briefly dropped Belgium back into second place in the live standings.

The response was immediate. Lukaku, introduced as a substitute just a minute earlier, headed home with his very first touch in the 86th minute to restore Belgium’s place at the top of the group. Saelemaekers then added a fifth with a crisp finish from the edge of the box to complete an emphatic victory.

After opening the tournament without a win, Belgium found their rhythm when it mattered most.

(with AFP inputs)

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Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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