FIFA 2026: Trossard fires five-star Belgium into World Cup knockout stage

VANCOUVER: Belgium reached the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after beating New Zealand 5-1 on Friday. The win saw Belgium finish top of Group G and set up a last-32 match against one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Leandro Trossard scored twice, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also scored for Belgium. Elijah Just scored New Zealand’s only goal late in the game.

Belgium take control after early VAR decision

Belgium thought they had won an early penalty, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review. However, they took the lead in the 28th minute when De Bruyne’s corner hit defender Tim Payne and fell to Trossard, who scored from close range.

Trossard made it 2-0 five minutes into the second half. He collected a pass from De Bruyne, saw his first shot blocked, and then scored from the rebound.

De Bruyne added Belgium’s third goal in the 66th minute with a neat finish from outside the penalty area.

Belgium finish strongly

New Zealand scored a late consolation through Elijah Just, but Belgium quickly responded.

Substitutes Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers both scored in the closing minutes to complete a comfortable 5-1 victory and confirm Belgium as Group G winners heading into the knockout stage.