Trossard Double Sends Belgium Into World Cup Round Of 32
Sports Updated: 27 June 2026 12:07 EAT
Photo courtesy: Belgium Forward Leandro Trossard celebrates scoring a brace in the World Cup Group stage against
Belgium booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after an emphatic 5-1 victory over New Zealand in their final Group G match, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice to inspire the Red Devils to their first win of the tournament. The result saw Belgium finish top of the group after drawing their opening two fixtures against Egypt and Iran.
Trossard opened the scoring in the first half by pouncing on a defensive error before doubling Belgium's advantage shortly after the restart with a composed finish. His clinical display provided the spark Belgium needed after struggling to convert chances in their previous matches.
Captain Kevin De Bruyne added Belgium's third goal with a trademark strike, becoming the country's oldest goalscorer at a FIFA World Cup at the age of 34. His performance underlined his continued importance to the Belgian side despite questions surrounding the squad's ageing core.
Romelu Lukaku, introduced from the bench, made an immediate impact by scoring Belgium's fourth goal late in the match. The strike saw him become Belgium's all-time leading World Cup scorer, surpassing Marc Wilmots with six goals at the tournament.
New Zealand briefly threatened to reduce the deficit when Elijah Just found the net in the 84th minute. However, Belgium quickly restored their commanding advantage before substitute Alexis Saelemaekers sealed the victory with a fifth goal in stoppage time.
The convincing win lifted Belgium to five points, enough to finish first in Group G on goal difference ahead of Egypt, who also qualified for the knockout stage after drawing 1-1 with Iran. Iran remained in contention for one of the tournament's best third-placed qualification spots, while New Zealand exited the competition with just one point.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia praised his experienced players for delivering under pressure, highlighting the influence of senior figures including De Bruyne, Lukaku and Trossard after the team had come under scrutiny following two disappointing draws.
Garcia also noted that changes to his starting lineup brought greater attacking fluency and efficiency in front of goal. Belgium created numerous chances throughout the contest and finally displayed the cutting edge that had been missing earlier in the tournament.
The Red Devils will now turn their attention to the Round of 32, where they are scheduled to face one of the tournament's best third-placed teams on July 1. The dominant victory has restored confidence within the Belgian camp as they prepare for the knockout phase.
Belgium will hope Trossard can maintain his impressive form after his match-winning brace, with the winger emerging as one of the standout performers in a result that revived the team's World Cup ambitions and confirmed their place among the tournament's final 32 teams.
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