Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group G.

The match took place on 27 June 2026 at BC Place in Vancouver as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group G. Both sides entered the game looking to gain an early advantage in the tournament, with a full stadium watching the opening exchanges.

How it unfolded

The first breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Leandro Trossard turned a corner into a goal-scoring opportunity, slotting a right-footed shot from very close range into the bottom right corner to put Belgium ahead 1-0.

Just before the break, New Zealand’s Marko Stamenic was shown a yellow card in the 46th minute for a bad foul, reducing his team’s options in the second half.

Four minutes later, Trossard doubled Belgium’s lead. Receiving a pass from Hans Vanaken, he struck a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the top left corner, making it 2-0 at the half-time break.

Six minutes into the second half, New Zealand’s Elijah Just received a yellow card for a bad foul in the 56th minute, marking the second booking of the match.

Belgium extended their dominance in the 66th minute when Kevin De Bruyne unleashed a left-footed strike from outside the box that curled into the bottom right corner, raising the score to 3-0.

New Zealand fought back in the 84th minute. Elijah Just, after a corner, headed a left-footed shot from the centre of the box into the high centre of the goal, giving the hosts a consolation goal and making it 3-1.

Two minutes later, Romelu Lukaku restored Belgium’s four-goal cushion. A cross from Nicolas Raskin found Lukaku, who headed the ball from very close range into the centre of the net, pushing the tally to 4-1.

In injury time, the final blow came in the 90+4 minute. Alexis Saelemaekers seized a fast-break opportunity, receiving a pass from Lukaku and firing a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the bottom left corner, sealing a 5-1 victory for Belgium.

Standout performers

Leandro Trossard was the most prolific scorer, finding the net twice, including a goal assisted by Hans Vanaken. Kevin De Bruyne added a long-range strike, while Romelu Lukaku contributed both a header and an assist for Alexis Saelemaekers, who completed the scoring. Elijah Just managed a goal for New Zealand despite also receiving a booking.

Match facts

  • Final score: New Zealand 1-5 Belgium
  • Scorers:
    • Leandro Trossard (28’, 50’) – assist by Hans Vanaken (50’)
    • Kevin De Bruyne (66’)
    • Elijah Just (84’)
    • Romelu Lukaku (86’) – assist by Nicolas Raskin (86’)
    • Alexis Saelemaekers (90’+4) – assist by Romelu Lukaku (90’+4)
  • Bookings:
    • Marko Stamenic (46’) – yellow card
    • Elijah Just (56’) – yellow card
  • Venue: BC Place, Vancouver

What it means

The result leaves both Belgium and New Zealand to continue their campaigns in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group G, with each side seeking points in their remaining matches.