Belgium Defeats New Zealand with Five Goals and Advances to the Round of 32 in the World Cup

The Belgian national team officially secured its qualification to the Round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup, following a wide victory over the New Zealand team with a score of 5-1, at the conclusion of the third round matches in Group G.

The match confirmed Belgium's superiority from the start, as its players imposed full control over the course of play through possession and high pressure, while the New Zealand team relied on defensive compactness and quick counter-attacks.

Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the 28th minute after an organized attack, allowing the Belgian team to end the first half ahead by one goal. In the second half, the Belgian team continued its offensive superiority, with Trossard adding a second goal for himself and his team in the 50th minute, confirming his team's advantage.

Kevin De Bruyne strengthened the score with a third goal in the 67th minute, putting Belgium in a comfortable position and bringing them closer to securing the match. Despite New Zealand's attempts, they managed to reduce the gap in the 84th minute through Elijah Just, but Belgium's response was swift with Romelu Lukaku scoring the fourth goal in the 86th minute.

Alexis Saelemaekers concluded the goal festival by scoring the fifth goal in the 95th minute, reaffirming Belgium's complete dominance in the match.

With this result, the Belgian team raised its tally to 5 points, leading the group on goal difference ahead of Egypt, which drew with Iran, each team scoring one goal. Meanwhile, the New Zealand team exited the tournament with their tally frozen at one point in fourth place.