Leandro Trossard (#10) scored a goal either side of half time to send Belgium on its way to three points against New Zealand. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Leandro Trossard scored ​twice as Belgium beat New Zealand ‌5-1 to breeze into the ​knockout stage of FIFA World Cup 2026, 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.

The 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.

Belgium vs New Zealand Player Ratings

New Zealand

Just (7.6), Cacace (6.5), Payne (6.2), Wood (6.2), Bell (6.1), Thomas (6.0), Singh (5.5), Bindon (4.8), Stamenic (4.5), Crocombe (4.3), Surman (4.0)

Subs: Old (6.3), De Vries (6.3), Randall (6.2), McCowatt (6.0), Boxall (5.7)

Belgium

Trossard (9.0), De Bruyne (8.5), Vanaken (8.2), De Cuyper (7.8), Theate (7.5), Mechele (7.5), Doku (7.3), De Ketelaere (7.2), Tielemans (7.0), Castagne (6.9), Courtois (6.5)

Subs: Saelemaekers (7.2), Lukaku (7.0), Fernandez-Pardo (6.8), Onana (6.6), Raskin (6.0)

Published on Jun 27, 2026