Belgium defeated New Zealand 5-1 on June 26 at BC Place stadium in Vancouver to secure first place in Group G at the 2026 World Cup [1, 2, 3]. Leandro Trossard scored twice, both assisted by Kevin De Bruyne, who also scored Belgium’s third goal [1, 2, 3]. Substitutes Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers added late goals to complete the scoreline [1, 2, 3]. Elijah Just scored a consolation goal for New Zealand [1, 3].
Belgium earned 5 points from three group matches after earlier draws against Egypt and Iran, edging Egypt on goal difference to top the group [1, 2, 4]. The team fired 73 shots on goal in the group stage, more than any other side in Group G [5]. Coach Rudi Garcia praised Belgium’s experienced squad featuring stars De Bruyne, Lukaku and others, saying, "They are so wonderful for a nation as ours, and they delivered tonight" [2].
De Bruyne complimented the host city and stadium, calling BC Place stadium “a really nice stadium to play in” with an NFL-like atmosphere [6].
Belgium will face Senegal in the round of 32 knockout stage after results involving DR Congo eliminated South Korea, their initially expected opponent [7, 8]. Defender Zeno Debast, recovering from a leg injury and returning to partial training, said they have three days to prepare and praised Senegal as "a really good team" with strong physical and tactical qualities [7, 8].
Senegal qualified as one of the best third-placed teams despite losing their first two group matches, after a 5-0 win over Iraq [5]. Their coach Pape Thiaw said, "Even though we scored five goals, there are still improvements to be made" ahead of the knockout match [5].
Belgium’s knockout game against Senegal is now scheduled, marking the next test for the Belgian squad aiming to extend their World Cup run [7, 5].
