Belgium stormed New Zealand to a 5‑1 victory in Vancouver, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice. The win lifts the Red Devils to top spot in Group G, leaving them to face a third‑place side from Groups A, E, H, I or J in the round of 32. The result seals a first‑round berth for the Belgian side.

Belgium dominated possession, taking 35 shots against a side that finished bottom of the tournament. Trossard opened the scoring with a poacher's finish from a corner in the 28th minute, then doubled the lead just five minutes into the second half with a chest‑and‑volley strike. The early advantage set the pace.

With Egypt drawing Iran, Kevin De Bruyne's low strike lifted Belgium to a 3‑0 cushion, before Elijah Just's 84th‑minute goal nudged the Kiwis into second place. Romelu Lukaku rebounded with a quick header, and Alexis Saelemaekers added a stoppage‑time fifth, cementing Belgium’s escape from consecutive group‑stage exits and for their first World Cup win since 2002.

The win guarantees Belgium a spot in Seattle, where they will confront a third‑place team under 9 pm UK time. The result also lifts them above New Zealand, who exit the competition with a single loss and no points. Belgium’s triumph marks a clear shift in their World Cup trajectory.