Belgium secured first place in Group G at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand in their final group-stage match, edging Egypt to the summit on goal difference.
The convincing win ensured Belgium finished the group with five points, level with Egypt but ahead because of their superior goal difference, bringing a successful conclusion to their opening phase of the tournament.
A dominant attacking display saw Belgium establish control before halftime and maintain their momentum throughout the second half, despite New Zealand briefly reducing the deficit late in the match.
The result confirmed Belgium as Group G winners, while Egypt advanced to the knockout stage as runners-up.
Trossard Sets Belgium on Their Way
Belgium laid the foundations for victory through Andre Trossard, who struck twice to put his side firmly in command.
His first goal arrived in the 28th minute, giving Belgium the breakthrough after a competitive opening period.
Trossard doubled both his own tally and Belgium’s advantage early in the second half, finding the net again in the 50th minute to strengthen his team’s grip on the contest.
The two-goal cushion allowed Belgium to dictate the pace of the game as they moved closer to sealing first place in the group standings.
De Bruyne Extends the Lead
Belgium’s dominance continued when Kevin De Bruyne added a third goal in the 66th minute.
The midfielder’s finish effectively placed the result beyond doubt and reflected Belgium’s superiority across much of the match.
With a comfortable advantage established, Belgium looked on course for a straightforward victory as New Zealand searched for a way back into the contest.
Although the scoreline heavily favoured Belgium, New Zealand continued to press in the closing stages and eventually found a consolation goal.
Late Goals Complete High-Scoring Encounter
New Zealand reduced the deficit in the 84th minute through Just, briefly interrupting Belgium’s march towards a comfortable victory.
However, any hopes of building further momentum were quickly extinguished.
Romelu Lukaku restored Belgium’s three-goal advantage only two minutes later, scoring in the 86th minute to make it 4-1.
Belgium then completed an emphatic performance in stoppage time when Alexis Saelemaekers added a fifth goal in the fourth minute of added time.
The late strikes ensured Belgium finished the group stage with an impressive scoreline and reinforced their status as Group G winners.
Belgium Edge Egypt on Goal Difference
The victory had significant implications for the final Group G standings.
Belgium ended the group stage with five points, matching Egypt’s total after three matches.
However, the margin of victory against New Zealand proved decisive, allowing Belgium to claim first place on goal difference.
Egypt therefore progressed to the knockout rounds as runners-up despite finishing level on points.
For Belgium, the performance provided both momentum and confidence heading into the next phase of the World Cup.
Their attacking display, featuring goals from Trossard, De Bruyne, Lukaku and Saelemaekers, demonstrated the squad’s depth and attacking quality as they completed the group stage in convincing fashion.
Having secured top spot in Group G, Belgium now move into the knockout rounds with their place at the summit confirmed, while New Zealand’s World Cup campaign ends after suffering a heavy defeat in their final group-stage fixture.
