Belgium Responds With a Dominant Win and Finishes Atop Group G at the 2026 FIFA World Cup After Defeating New Zealand

Belgium Put Its Early Struggles Behind It With a 5-1 Victory Over New Zealand to Finish Atop Group G. Leandro Trossard Shined With a Brace, While Romelu Lukaku Delivered at the Perfect Time to Secure First Place.

Belgium Delivered When It Mattered Most

There were plenty of questions surrounding Belgium after the first two matches of the World Cup. Draws against Egypt and Iran left the Red Devils in an uncomfortable position, knowing they had to win on the final matchday to avoid an early exit. Their response could not have been more convincing.

With a confident, determined, and clinical performance, Belgium cruised to a 5-1 victory over New Zealand, finishing atop Group G and reminding everyone why they entered the tournament as one of the favorites.

Trossard Took Over and Changed the Game

If one player defined Belgium's performance, it was Leandro Trossard. The Arsenal forward stepped up when his team needed him most and quickly became the driving force behind the victory.

He opened the scoring by capitalizing on a set-piece opportunity before striking again early in the second half to give Belgium complete control of the match.

With the lead growing, Belgium played with greater confidence and freedom. That opened the door for another familiar face to make his mark. Kevin De Bruyne joined the scoresheet with Belgium's third goal, moving the Red Devils one step closer to the top of the group.

Still, the drama wasn't over. Elijah Just pulled one back for New Zealand, briefly raising the tension once again as the battle for first place remained alive. Belgium knew there was no room for mistakes.

Lukaku Stepped Up to Seal First Place

As the match entered its closing stages, Romelu Lukaku reminded everyone why he remains one of Belgium's greatest-ever players.

Coming off the bench, the striker wasted little time making an impact. He met a perfectly delivered cross from Nicolas Raskin with a powerful header that restored Belgium's three-goal cushion.

New Zealand tried to respond but struggled to create any real threat. Belgium remained composed and took full advantage of the spaces left behind.

There was still one final highlight before the whistle. Deep into stoppage time, Romelu Lukaku turned provider, setting up Alexis Saelemaekers, who calmly slotted home Belgium's fifth goal to complete a dominant 5-1 victory.

Belgium Heads Into the Knockout Stage Full of Confidence

Beyond the final score, this victory could prove to be a turning point for Belgium. After an inconsistent start to the tournament, the Red Devils rediscovered the attacking edge that had been missing through the opening two matches.

Leandro Trossard led the way with a brilliant brace, Kevin De Bruyne once again delivered on the big stage, and Romelu Lukaku capped off the night with a goal and an assist to underline his importance.