Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium defeated New Zealand 5-1 to finish atop Group G and advance confidently into the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage.
VANCOUVER: Belgium delivered one of their most convincing performances of the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating New Zealand 5-1 on Friday to secure first place in Group G and book a place in the knockout stage.
Leandro Trossard starred with two goals, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net in a commanding display. Elijah Just scored New Zealand’s lone goal late in the match.
Belgium nearly opened the scoring early after being awarded a penalty, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review. The breakthrough eventually came in the 28th minute when De Bruyne’s corner deflected off Tim Payne and fell kindly for Trossard, who converted from close range.
Trossard doubled Belgium’s advantage shortly after halftime, finishing the rebound after his initial effort was blocked following another precise pass from De Bruyne. The captain then added his own goal in the 66th minute with a composed strike from outside the penalty area.
New Zealand briefly reduced the deficit through Elijah Just, but Belgium responded immediately. Substitute Romelu Lukaku restored the three-goal cushion before Alexis Saelemaekers completed the emphatic 5-1 victory in the closing stages.
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