VANCOUVER, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Belgium notched its first victory in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, smashing New Zealand 5-1 to secure top spot in the group and a berth in the round of 32, while New Zealand was eliminated.
Belgium drew with Egypt and Iran in the first two rounds, yet closed the group stage with a strong performance. Arsenal's Leandro Trossard gave the Red Devils a 28th-minute lead and added another goal in the 50th.
"Leandro performed excellently tonight. I have told him to stay invasive and active on the pitch, which he managed to do, and the two goals proved that," Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia said after the game.
Kevin De Bruyne fired a stunner from the edge of the penalty area in the 66th minute to make it 3-0, before Elijah Just pulled one back for New Zealand in the 84th.
New Zealand's hopes of a late comeback vanished as substitute Romelu Lukaku headed in Belgium's fourth goal in the 86th minute and assisted Alexis Saelemaekers to seal the 5-1 win in stoppage time.
Belgium advanced as Group G winner and will face a yet-to-be-decided third-placed team in the round of 32. Egypt also qualified after a 1-1 draw with Iran, with Iran having a goal ruled out for offside in stoppage time.
The Iranians must wait to see if they can reach the last 32, while New Zealand exits the tournament still searching for its first-ever World Cup win. ■
