Live score: Belgium defeats New Zealand decisively to claim Group G championship and advance in the 2026 World Cup.
On 27 June 2026 GMT+7, the final group stage match of Group G in the 2026 World Cup determined advancement. New Zealand, last in the group with 1 point, faced Belgium, third with 2 points.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Belgium nearly earned a penalty when Leandro Trossard’s shot was blocked by Finn Surman inside the box. The referee initially ruled it a handball on Surman's left arm, but after VAR review, the decision was overturned since the arm was not extended to block the ball’s path.
In the 28th minute, Belgium took a 1-0 lead from a corner kick. New Zealand’s defense failed to clear, leaving the ball in front of Leandro Trossard, who scored from close range. This was the only goal in the first half.
Early in the second half, at the 50th minute, Belgium extended their lead to 2-0. Kevin De Bruyne assisted Leandro Trossard, who turned to shoot inside the box. His initial shot was blocked, but he quickly followed up and scored into the near post.
At the 55th minute, New Zealand nearly scored when Elijah Just advanced and shot from the edge of the box, but Thibaut Courtois dived to parry the ball out for a corner.
In the 66th minute, Belgium increased their lead to 3-0. Kevin De Bruyne received the ball outside the box, feinted to create space, then fired a low left-footed shot that pierced the defense and nestled into the corner.
New Zealand pulled one back in the 84th minute with Elijah Just breaking through the defense to score. However, Belgium responded quickly in the 86th minute with a header from substitute Romelu Lukaku making it 4-1.
During added time at 90+4 minutes, Belgium sealed the win with another goal from substitute Alexis Saelemaekers. The match ended 5-1, with Belgium finishing Group G top with 5 points, advancing to the round of 32 to face the third-placed team from Group A, I, or J.