Romelu Lukaku struck a dramatic late header to secure Belgium top spot in Group G at the FIFA World Cup 2026, sealing their passage to the Round of 32 and confirming New Zealand’s elimination after a thrilling encounter in Vancouver.
The Red Devils were in control from the outset, with Leandro Trossard opening the scoring in the 28th minute before doubling his tally just five minutes into the second half. Kevin De Bruyne added a third with a composed finish from distance, becoming Belgium’s oldest World Cup scorer at 34 years and 363 days.
New Zealand briefly threatened a comeback when Elijah Just pulled one back late on, but Lukaku’s close-range header two minutes later restored Belgium’s cushion before Alexis Saelemaekers added a stoppage-time fifth to complete the rout.
Belgium will now face the third-placed team from Groups A, E, H, I or J in the Round of 32 in Seattle on July 1.
