Belgium get past New Zealand to progress as group winners

Belgium powered into the knockout rounds with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand, securing first place in Group G and ending the All Whites’ hopes of a maiden World Cup win. Leandro Trossard struck the post early before eventually breaking the deadlock from close range after sustained Belgian pressure. 

New Zealand, the tournament’s lowest‑ranked side, struggled to threaten Thibaut Courtois, making a record eighteenth World Cup appearance. Belgium doubled their lead shortly after the restart when Trossard volleyed home his second. Kevin De Bruyne then drilled in a low finish to put the result beyond doubt. 

Elijah Just briefly lifted New Zealand spirits with a composed strike, but Romelu Lukaku immediately restored Belgium’s cushion, heading in to become his nation’s all‑time World Cup top scorer. Alexis Saelemaekers added a late fifth. 

Belgium’s sixteen‑match unbeaten run continues, while New Zealand finish bottom, still without a World Cup finals victory.