Belgium Thrash New Zealand 5-1 to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage

Belgium produced their best performance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand to secure top spot in Group G and book a place in the knockout stage.

After drawing their opening two matches against Egypt and Iran, Belgium entered the contest needing a win to guarantee progression. The Red Devils responded in emphatic fashion, with Leandro Trossard leading the charge by scoring twice.

Trossard opened the scoring in the 28th minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area.

He doubled Belgium's advantage shortly after the restart, finishing a rebound to give his side complete control of the encounter.

Captain Kevin De Bruyne then added a spectacular long-range strike midway through the second half to make it 3-0 and effectively end New Zealand's hopes of staging a comeback.

The All Whites managed to pull one back through Elijah Just in the closing stages, but Belgium quickly restored their dominance. Romelu Lukaku headed home two minutes later before Alexis Saelemaekers completed the rout with a stoppage-time goal.

The victory saw Belgium finish first in the group on five points, ahead of Egypt on goal difference after the Pharaohs drew 1-1 with Iran. Belgium will now face one of the tournament's best third-placed teams in the Round of 32.

For New Zealand, the defeat marked the end of their World Cup journey. The All Whites finished bottom of Group G with just one point, still searching for their first-ever victory at the FIFA World Cup.