New Zealand vs Belgium

Belgium swept aside New Zealand 5-1 at BC Place in Vancouver, delivering one of the most convincing victories of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage. Leandro Trossard's clinical brace set the tone early, and the Red Devils never looked back. Trossard opened the scoring in the 28th minute, pouncing on a rebound inside the box, then doubled up early in the second half (50') with a near-identical finish. Kevin De Bruyne extended the lead to 3-0 in the 66th minute. A VAR review for a potential New Zealand handball in the 22nd minute briefly raised hopes for the All Whites, but no penalty was awarded. Romelu Lukaku made it four in the 86th minute before Elijah Just pulled one back for New Zealand in the 84th. Alexis Saelemaekers completed the rout deep in stoppage time (90'+4). Belgium advance as group leaders with a significant goal difference boost and plenty of momentum heading into the knockouts. New Zealand exit the tournament having been outclassed by one of its strongest sides.