Belgium beats New Zealand to top Group G at 2026 FIFA World Cup; BEL vs NZL Player Ratings

Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1 to advance to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He won Group G and set up a last-32 clash with one of the top eight third-placed teams.

After a penalty was 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 fell perfectly for Trossard to poke the net from close range.

The 31-year-old scored again five minutes after the break, receiving a sharp pass from De Bruyne and firing home the ball at the second attempt after his first shot had been blocked. De Bruyne then swept the ball in from the edge of the penalty area and got on the scoresheet himself in the 66th minute.

Elijah netted a late consolation goal for the Kiwis, before substitutes Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers scored to secure 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: Oud (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)

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

Published on June 27, 2026