Belgium secures knockout stage berth
Belgium overcame an initial slow start in the World Cup to secure their place in the knockout rounds, defeating New Zealand 5-1. The victory on Friday, June 26, 2026, saw Belgium finish at the top of Group G, ensuring their progression in the tournament.
The match was crucial for Belgium, who had previously recorded a 1-1 draw against Egypt and a scoreless draw against Iran in their opening World Cup fixtures. These earlier results had placed them in a surprising third position within their group.
Dominant performance against New Zealand
Leandro Trossard was a key player for Belgium, scoring two goals in the decisive 5-1 win. His double strike, along with goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Saelemaekers, propelled Belgium into the last 32 of the competition.
The European nation’s first win of the World Cup was a dominant display, particularly in the first half. Early in the match, Trossard’s angled shot hit the inside of the upright, only to be cleared off the line by Tyler Bindon, signaling Belgium’s attacking intent.
Moments later, the Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh initially awarded Belgium a penalty after Trossard’s shot struck the arm of defender Finn Surman. However, the decision was subsequently overturned after a VAR review, allowing New Zealand a brief reprieve.
Despite the overturned penalty, Belgium did not have to wait long for their breakthrough. Trossard was again in the right place, bundling home a goal from close range after a corner from De Bruyne caused confusion in the six-yard box. This goal set the tone for Belgium’s performance.
Trossard effectively sealed the game five minutes into the second half, controlling a rebound in a crowded area and volleying the ball past New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe at the near post. This extended Belgium’s lead and solidified their control over the match.
De Bruyne added to Belgium’s tally in the 66th minute with an elegant low finish, making the score 3-0. This goal was particularly significant as it pushed Belgium into first place in Group G based on goal difference, ahead of Egypt.
New Zealand managed a consolation goal when Elijah Just volleyed home from the edge of the area, making the score 3-1. This goal briefly bumped Belgium down to second place in the group, highlighting the importance of every goal in the standings.
However, Lukaku quickly restored Belgium’s comfortable lead, nodding home his team’s fourth goal in the 86th minute, just a minute after coming on as a substitute. This goal returned Belgium to the top of the table. Saelemaekers then completed the scoring for Belgium with a shot from the edge of the area, sealing the 5-1 victory.
Group G outcome and next steps
With their significant win, Belgium concluded their Group G campaign at the top of the standings. This result eliminated New Zealand from the tournament, as the All Whites needed an outright win to have any chance of advancing.
New Zealand will now head home without securing their first-ever World Cup win. Meanwhile, Egypt claimed the runners-up spot in Group G following their 1-1 draw with Iran in Seattle.
Iran finished third in the group and now face an anxious wait to determine their fate regarding progression to the knockout rounds. Belgium, having finished first in Group G, is scheduled to face a third-place finisher on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Seattle.
Source: thehindu.com
