Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1 to reach World Cup Round of 32

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — With a flurry of goals, Belgium finally found its footing at the World Cup. Leandro Trossard scored a pair of goals and Belgium overcame a slow start in the tournament to advance to the knockout round atop Group G with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand on Friday night. Belgium will face an as-yet undetermined third-place finisher on Wednesday in Seattle. The match was played simultaneously to the other group finale in Seattle between Egypt and Iran, which ended in a 1-1 draw, dropping Egypt out of first. READ: World Cup: Cape Verde becomes smallest country […]...Keep on reading: World Cup: Belgium defeats New Zealand 5-1 to advance

Vancouver: Leandro Trossard struck twice as Belgium cruised to a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand on Friday to finish top of Group G and book their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Both Belgium and Egypt finished level on five points but Belgium topped the group on goal difference. With Egypt's draw 1-1 draw with Iran ensuring they also advance, Iran were third with three points, and New Zealand exited the competition with a single point from their three matches.Belgium dominated proceedings from the opening whistle and nearly went ahead in the 11th minute when Trossard hit the post. Moments later, the Red Devils were awarded a penalty after Finn Surman appeared to handle Trossard's effort, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review, with the referee ruling the defender's arm was in a natural position.However, Belgium finally broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when a sweeping attacking move ended with Trossard tapping in Kevin De Bruyne's teasing cross.FIFA 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo's Fiancée Georgina Rodríguez Turns Up Heat In Miami Ahead Of Portugal Vs Colombia Game Tomorrow And the Arsenal forward doubled Belgium's advantage just five minutes into the second half after chesting down another De Bruyne delivery and volleying home from close range.Elijah just made Courtois dive down low to his left, and make a decent block for their first sight of goal as the ball trickled wide. But Belgium soon reasserted control as Trossard set up De Bruyne and the world record goal scorer put the ball into the far corner with a low finish from the edge of the area, becoming the oldest ever goal scorer for Belgium at a FIFA World Cup as he turned 34 during this competition.New Zealand responded when in the 84th minute with a powerful low strike before two substitutes for Belgium completed a comprehensive victory. Romelu Lukaku added the fourth with a header and fellow substitute Alexis Saelemaekers put the icing on the cake with an effort in injury time.Belgium will now go through to the Round of 32 where they face one of the eight best third placed teams, as New Zealand wait for their first ever World Cup win, which continues to be an eternal wait.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Leandro Trossard scored a pair of goals and Belgium overcame a slow start in the tournament to advance to the knockout round atop Group G with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand.

Belgium showcased their finest World Cup performance, crushing New Zealand 5-1 to secure a knockout stage berth as Group G winners. After two draws, a dominant display saw Leandro Trossard net twice, complemented by goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Saelemaekers. New Zealand's campaign ends without a win, despite a late consolation goal. Belgium now prepares for a Wednesday knockout clash.

Leandro Trossard scored brace as Belgium overcame a slow start at the World Cup to advance to the knockout round with a victory over New Zealand

Leandro Trossard and Belgium were dominant in a 5-1 victory over New Zealand that helped it win Group G.