New Zealand’s pursuit of FIFA World Cup glory is over for four more years after a 5-1 loss to Belgium in Vancouver.
With both sides needing a win to remain in the 48-team tournament, Belgium justified their #9 FIFA world ranking, taking control of the match in the second half at BC Place Vancouver.
In front of a near-capacity crowd of 52,497, New Zealand lived dangerously in the first half-hour, with defender Tyler Bindon scrambling the ball off his own goalline.
Midway through the half, Belgium were denied a penalty after a VAR review overturned the referee’s initial decision, when a shot was deflected off Finn Surman’s arm and over the crossbar.
New Zealand’s luck ran out in the 28th minute when Leandro Trossard eased the tension for Belgian fans who feared an early exit from the competition.
A corner that wasn’t dealt with provided Trossard with the chance to steer the ball past goalkeeper Max Crocombe.
After turning around 1-0 ahead, Belgium poured on the pressure in the second spell.
Trossard cashed in on a defensive mix-up to poke the the ball home for his second goal, in the 50th minute.
This forced the Kiwis to chance their arm, opening up opportunities for Belgium.
Midfielder Kevin De Bryne stretched his side’s lead with a well-taken goal in the 66th minute.
Kevin De Bruyne … scored his side’s third goal.
New Zealand’s best moment came in the 84th minute when Eli Just scored his third goal of the tournament, shooting the ball into the middle of the Belgian goal.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku headed Belgium’s fourth goal two minutes later, and Alexis Saelemaekers finished his side’s scoring in stoppage time.
Victory means Belgium go through to the Round of 32 as Group G leaders and, as the groups currently stand, could face South Korea in Seattle on Thursday (NZT).
In the other Group G match, Egypt and Iran drew 1-1, meaning the Pharaohs will meet Australia at Dallas Stadium next Saturday (NZT).
Result
Games played on Saturday June 27, 2026 (NZT)
Belgium
New Zealand 1 (Eli Just 84′)
Belgium 5 (Leandro Trossard 28′, 50′, Kevin De Bruyne 66′, Romelu Lukaku 86′, Alexis Saelemaekers 90+4′)
Egypt 1 (Mahmoud Saber 5′)
Iran 1 (Ramin Rezaeian 14′)
FIFA Men’s World Cup Group G
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
Belgium
3
1
2
0
6
2
4
5
Egypt
3
1
2
0
5
3
2
5
Iran
3
0
3
0
3
3
0
3
New Zealand
3
0
1
2
4
10
-6
1
This story was published on June 27, 2026