Trossard Shines as Belgium Tops Group G
Belgium delivered their most convincing performance of the FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand to secure a place in the Round of 32 as Group G winners. The emphatic win, powered by a brace from Leandro Trossard, ensured Belgium finished above Egypt on goal difference after both teams ended the group stage with five points.
The Red Devils had entered the decisive fixture under pressure after drawing their opening two matches, but they responded with an attacking display that underlined their knockout-stage ambitions. New Zealand, meanwhile, exited the tournament after collecting just one point from three matches.
Belgium Dominates From Start to Finish
Belgium controlled possession from the opening whistle and created several early opportunities. Trossard nearly opened the scoring before Belgium saw a penalty overturned following a VAR review, which ruled that New Zealand defender Finn Surman’s handball was accidental.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 28th minute when Kevin De Bruyne’s delivery found Trossard, who calmly converted from close range. Belgium continued to dictate the tempo and doubled their lead five minutes into the second half as Trossard struck again after being set up by De Bruyne.
Veteran midfielder De Bruyne added Belgium’s third goal in the 66th minute with a composed finish from outside the penalty area, becoming the country’s oldest World Cup goalscorer at 34.
Late Goals Seal Comfortable Victory
New Zealand briefly raised hopes through Elijah Just, whose late strike reduced the deficit. However, Belgium responded immediately as substitute Romelu Lukaku restored the three-goal cushion before Alexis Saelemaekers completed the scoring with Belgium’s fifth goal.
The victory confirmed Belgium as Group G winners, edging Egypt on goal difference after the North African side drew 1-1 with Iran in the group’s other fixture. Iran finished third with three points, while New Zealand ended bottom with one.
Belgium will now face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams in the Round of 32, carrying renewed confidence after finally finding their attacking rhythm. The comprehensive victory also erased concerns surrounding their slow start to the tournament and re-established the Red Devils as serious contenders in the knockout rounds.
