Red Devils Crush New Zealand 5-1 to Top World Cup Group G

After a nervy start to their 2026 World Cup campaign, Belgium delivered a statement performance on Friday, thrashing New Zealand 5-1 at BC Place in Vancouver to secure top spot in Group G. The emphatic victory, powered by a brace from Leandro Trossard and goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Saelemaekers, silenced external critics and propelled the Red Devils into the Round of 32 as group winners.

A Rocky Road to Redemption

Belgium entered the final group match under significant pressure. Two consecutive 1-1 draws against Egypt and Iran had left the team in a precarious position, needing a win against New Zealand to guarantee progression. External criticism mounted, with Belgian media questioning coach Rudi Garcia’s tactics and player selections. Yet inside the camp in Seattle, the mood remained resolute.

“That doubt never infected the camp in Seattle,” Trossard told Sporza after the match. “It came mainly from outside. We had full confidence in our group.”

Tactical Overhaul Pays Off

Garcia made several bold changes to the starting lineup for the must-win fixture. Hans Vanaken was inserted into midfield alongside Youri Tielemans and De Bruyne, bringing much-needed dynamism and forward momentum. Timothy Castagne replaced Thomas Meunier at right-back, Arthur Theate stepped in for the suspended Nathan Ngoy, and Charles De Ketelaere earned a start up front.

The changes paid immediate dividends. Belgium dominated possession and created a flurry of chances, with Trossard breaking the deadlock in the 28th minute after earlier striking the post. The Arsenal forward doubled the lead five minutes into the second half, and De Bruyne effectively sealed the match with a brilliant strike in the 66th minute.

“From that moment on we created a lot of chances and the goals came naturally,” Trossard said. “Very fun to play football with such an attacking tactical plan.”

De Bruyne’s Special Celebration

De Bruyne’s goal carried extra personal significance. The Manchester City midfielder, celebrating nine years of marriage, kissed a tattoo of his children on his arm after scoring. “Today I’ve been married for nine years to my wife, who is also here,” he explained. “My kids were watching on TV in LA. On my arm I have a tattoo of them, that’s important.”

New Zealand pulled one back through Elijah Just in the 84th minute, but Belgium responded emphatically. Lukaku, introduced as a substitute, scored with his first touch — a header from a Nicolas Raskin cross — before Saelemaekers added a fifth in stoppage time.

A New Tournament Begins

With the result, Belgium finished top of Group G with five points, ahead of Egypt on goal difference. Egypt also advanced after a 1-1 draw with Iran, who now await confirmation as one of the best third-placed teams.

De Bruyne was quick to emphasize that the real challenge lies ahead. “Now a different tournament begins, with direct elimination,” he told Sporza. “Now it only really starts.”

Cautious Optimism at Home

While the victory sparked celebrations across Belgium, analysts urged caution. Ludo Vandewalle, chief football writer at Het Nieuwsblad, warned against complacency, as reported by Voetbalprimeur. “Is everything now forgotten and forgiven? Are those performances against Egypt and Iran now in the forget-me-book? Certainly not,” he wrote. “And preferably not in Rudi Garcia’s forget-me-book.”

Vandewalle praised Vanaken’s influence but noted that defensive chaos after substitutions nearly undid Belgium’s good work.

What’s Next for Belgium

As group winners, Belgium will face a third-placed team from Group A, I, or J in the Round of 32, with South Korea, Senegal, or Algeria among the potential opponents. The match will be played in Seattle, allowing the team to remain in familiar surroundings.

Thibaut Courtois, who set a Belgian record for most World Cup appearances, summed up the team’s mindset: “We have won and qualified for the Round of 32. We must now focus again on our next opponent. Although we won in a beautiful way.”

For a team that entered the tournament amid transition and doubt, the 5-1 victory offered more than three points — it restored belief. As The Guardian noted, Belgian fans will be thrilled to see their side find a new gear heading into the knockout rounds. The question now is whether they can sustain it.