VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium routed New Zealand 5-1 to secure top spot in Group G and a place in the 2026 World Cup round of 32, according to the match report. The Arsenal forward’s first goal ended Belgium’s tournament goal drought that stretched back to Michy Batshuayi’s effort in Qatar, a run described in the report as four years, 433 minutes and 76 shots on.
Belgium had drawn their first two matches, against Egypt and Iran, and entered the game with only an own goal by Egypt’s Mohamed Hany on matchday one on the scoresheet for the tournament, according to the report. The victory in Vancouver — played at BC Place — was punctuated by Trossard’s 28th-minute opener, a volley five minutes after the break, a second-half finish from Kevin De Bruyne, and late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers.
The report noted that Belgium’s improved intensity followed the return of winger Jérémy Doku, who missed the 0-0 draw with Iran after traveling to London for the birth of his first child. An initial penalty award in the first half was overturned after a VAR review, but Belgium’s pressure yielded the lead and eventually a comfortable win against a New Zealand side ranked 86th in the world.
The result spares Rudi Garcia’s team a second consecutive group-stage exit and sets up a round of 32 meeting in Seattle on Wednesday with an as-yet-undecided third-placed team, according to the report. The match offered a reminder of the quality in Belgium’s ranks, even as questions linger over an ageing core; the report highlights that Lukaku, De Bruyne and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois have combined for more than 2,100 competitive games.
Belgium’s performance provided a lift after two lacklustre displays to open the tournament, and the comprehensive scoreline will aim to boost morale as the team prepares for the knockout phase, according to the match report.
