Vancouver: Belgium secured top spot in Group G of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand, while Egypt advanced to the Round of 32 for the first time in the nation’s history following a draw against Iran.
Belgium produced a clinical display in their final group-stage match, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice and Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Saelemaekers also finding the net. The defeat ended New Zealand’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Trossard opened the scoring in the 28th minute before doubling Belgium’s advantage early in the second half after reacting quickest to a rebound. Veteran midfielder De Bruyne extended the lead in the 66th minute with a low drive from inside the penalty area.
The goal was a landmark moment for De Bruyne, who became Belgium’s oldest player to score in a FIFA World Cup at 34 years and 364 days.
New Zealand briefly threatened a comeback when Elijah Just pulled one back six minutes from time. However, Belgium responded immediately as Lukaku restored the three-goal cushion, effectively guaranteeing top place in the group on goal difference. Saelemaekers completed the rout in stoppage time to seal a convincing 5-1 victory.
Belgium finished the group stage at the summit of Group G and advanced confidently into the Round of 32, while New Zealand bowed out of the tournament.
Egypt Reach World Cup Knockout Stage for the First Time
Elsewhere, Egypt created history by qualifying for the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time after battling to a 1-1 draw against Iran.
The Pharaohs finished second in Group G with one win and two draws, narrowly behind Belgium on goal difference.
Egypt took the lead in the fifth minute when Mahmoud Saber capitalized on a rebound after goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand could only parry an initial effort. Iran had a golden opportunity to level from the penalty spot after a foul inside the box, but Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobair produced an excellent save to deny the spot kick.
Iran eventually found an equalizer in the 14th minute through Ramin Rezaeian, setting up an evenly contested encounter. Both sides pushed for a winner, and Iran appeared to have snatched a dramatic late goal, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
The draw proved enough for Egypt to secure a historic place in the Round of 32, marking a significant milestone for Egyptian football on the global stage.
