Trossard bags brace as De Bruyne, Lukaku and Saelemaekers seal dominant win; Egypt also advance after draw with Iran.

Belgium booked their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage in emphatic fashion, thrashing New Zealand 5–1 in their final Group G clash in Vancouver to finish top of the group on goal difference.

Leandro Trossard led the charge with a clinical brace, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also got on the scoresheet as the Red Devils claimed a commanding first win of the tournament.

The result saw Belgium edge past Egypt, who were held to a 1–1 draw by Iran in Seattle, to secure top spot in the group.

Belgium dominated proceedings from the outset and eventually took the lead through Trossard after an earlier penalty decision was overturned following a VAR review. The Arsenal forward doubled the advantage shortly after the break, putting the Europeans firmly in control.

De Bruyne extended the lead in the 66th minute with a composed finish, effectively putting the contest beyond reach.

New Zealand briefly threatened a response when Elijah Just pulled one back late on — a goal that momentarily shifted the group standings in Egypt’s favour on goal difference.

However, Lukaku quickly restored Belgium’s cushion, heading home just a minute after coming off the bench. Saelemaekers then capped off the rout with a stunning long-range strike to seal Belgium’s biggest win of the tournament.

Belgium head into the knockout rounds brimming with confidence, while Egypt also advance as group runners-up. Iran finish third, and New Zealand exit the competition following the heavy defeat.