Trossard, De Bruyne send Belgium to World Cup 2026 round of 32
Canada. Leandro Trossard brace, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne goals help Belgium crush New Zealand 5-1, reach round of 32 leading Group G World Cup 2026.
Belgium disappointed in first two rounds, drawing Egypt 1-1 and Iran 0-0, forcing win against New Zealand in final match at BC Place. European side struggled due to blunt attack. Team earned only one point against Egypt via Mohamed Hany own goal, failed to score against Iran despite 23 shots.
Since World Cup 2022, Belgium scored only two goals in five matches, including one own goal. Team took 73 shots, succeeded only once from open play when Michy Batshuayi scored against Canada in 2022.
Romelu Lukaku (right) celebrates goal with Kevin De Bruyne in Belgium 5-1 win over New Zealand, final match Group G World Cup 2026 at BC Place, Canada, June 26, 2026. Photo: Reuters
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Issues continued in first half against New Zealand. Minute 11, Leandro Trossard left-foot shot hit post, rolled along line before clearance.
Minutes later, Arsenal forward hit ball against defender hand, seeming to win penalty. However, after VAR review, referee Adham Makhadmeh ruled hand in natural position, overturned decision.
Pressure relieved minute 28. Trossard converted rebound in box, opened score. Early second half, 31-year-old forward completed brace. Right-foot shot deflected off New Zealand player, Trossard controlled with chest, shot near corner for 2-0.
*Trossard opens score for Belgium.
Belgium kept pressure, scored third goal minute 66. De Bruyne fired long-range angled shot from outside box into bottom left corner. Goalkeeper Crocombe dived fully but failed to save. Former Chelsea and Man City midfielder scored in fourth World Cup, first goal since long-range strike against Brazil in 2018 quarterfinals.
New Zealand fought back, reduced deficit via Elijah Just volley. But Belgium sealed big win in Canada thanks to Romelu Lukaku. Substitute striker headed home to restore three-goal lead minute 86, then assisted Alexis Saelemaekers in fourth minute of stoppage time to seal 5-1 win.
*New Zealand scores to reduce deficit.
With 5-1 win, Belgium topped Group G, faces third-place team from Group A, I, or J in round of 32. Match at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington at 3:00 AM July 2, Hanoi time. If victorious, Belgium faces USA or Bosnia in round of 16 July 6.
Convincing win over New Zealand secured top spot, opened favorable bracket. Clear chance for "Red Devils" current generation to go deep in World Cup 2026, aiming for first-ever title.
*Lukaku makes it 4-1.
Belgium - with golden generation of Eden Hazard, De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Lukaku, Yannick Carrasco, previously Vincent Kompany, Marouane Fellaini, Mousa Dembele - came close to glory many times but failed. Current journey is new campaign, chance for Belgian football to write different end to unfinished dream.
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