Belgium reach World Cup qualifiers as New Zealand exit | World Cup 2026 news

Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard’s brace against New Zealand lifted Belgium to the top of Group G, ahead of Egypt on goal difference.

Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1 to keep their place in the tournament knocking tours cha 2026 World Cup Friday, eliminating the All Whites from the competition. The result marked Europe’s first World Cup victory, as they finished top of Group G in Vancouver.

Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard double and goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers lifted Belgium into the last 32 in first place. ahead of Egypt on the score difference.

Egypt won as they drew 1-1 with Iran in Seattle. The Iranians finished third in the group and are anxiously awaiting their fate.

Belgium dominated the first half in the break and alarm bells were ringing in the New Zealand defense early on when Trossard’s shot flew inside the upright and was cleared off the line by Tyler Bindon.

Belgium looked to be on the verge of taking the lead later on when Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh pointed to a spot-kick when Trossard shot over the arm of defender Finn Surman.

But VAR sent Makhadmeh to the referees to review the decision, which was later reversed and New Zealand rested.

However, Belgium did not wait for this to happen and it was Trossard who was in the right place at the right time, tying home from close range when De Bruyne’s corner sent a scare into the six-yard box.

Trossard made the game safe five minutes into the second half, directing a crowded rebound to head home past New Zealand midfielder Max Crocombe at the near post.

De Bruyne then scored a superb finish in the 66th minute to make it 3-0, a crucial goal that saw the Belgians leapfrog Egypt into first place on goal difference.

However there was to be a dramatic finish as New Zealand’s Elijah Just struck a consolation from the edge of the area to make it 3-1.

This would prove costly, as his goal dropped Belgium to second place.

But Lukaku nodded his fourth in the 86th minute with his first touch just a minute after coming on to put Belgium back on top of the table.

Saelemaekers finished the scoring with a shot from the edge of the area.