Five-star Belgium through as New Zealand sent packing from World Cup

Belgium’s Leandro Trossard celebrates scoring his second against New Zealand in the World Cup Group G game in Vancouver. Photograph: Anne-Marie Sorvin/IMAGN IMAGES/ReutersView image in fullscreenBelgium’s Leandro Trossard celebrates scoring his second against New Zealand in the World Cup Group G game in Vancouver. Photograph: Anne-Marie Sorvin/IMAGN IMAGES/ReutersFive-star Belgium through as New Zealand sent packing from World CupLeandro Trossard scored twice ⁠as Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1 to breeze into the ⁠knockout stage of ⁠the ​World Cup, winning Group G to set up a last-32 ⁠clash with one of the eight best third-placed teams.

After having a penalty ⁠award overturned following a VAR check, Belgium ​broke the deadlock ‌in the ‌28th minute when De Bruyne’s corner bounced off ‌New Zealand defender Tim Payne and dropped perfectly for Trossard to poke into the net from close range.skip past newsletter promotionafter newsletter promotionNew Zealand 1-5 Belgium: World Cup 2026 – liveRead moreThe 31-year-old netted again five minutes after the break, ‌picking up an incisive pass from De Bruyne and rifling the ball ​home at the second attempt after his initial shot was blocked. De Bruyne then swept the ball in from the edge ⁠of the box to get on the ​scoresheet ​himself in the 66th ​minute.

Elijah Just netted a late ​consolation goal ‌for the ​Kiwis before ​substitutes Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers scored to ensure top spot in the group ahead of Egypt.Leandro Trossard profileMore to follow.Explore more on these topicsWorld Cup 2026New ZealandBelgiumWorld Cupmatch reportsShareReuse this content