New Zealand vs Belgium

Trossard's second goal in the 50th minute, just five minutes after the restart, effectively killed the contest. New Zealand had made a double change at half-time — introducing Sarpreet Singh and Riley Thomas — but their tactical tweak lasted only four minutes before Trossard struck again. From 2-0 down against a Belgium side with 35 total shots and 3.60 xG, there was no way back.

Leandro Trossard — Two goals (28', 50'), the second arriving moments after New Zealand's half-time reshuffle. He was withdrawn in the 72nd minute having done his damage. Clear player of the match.

Kevin De Bruyne — Scored Belgium's third in the 66th minute and dictated the tempo. His movement between the lines was too much for New Zealand's midfield to handle.

Romelu Lukaku — A goal (86') and an assist (90+4' for Saelemaekers). Belgium's all-time leading scorer delivered when the knockout stage beckoned.

Elijah Just — New Zealand's bright spark. Scored their only goal (84') but also picked up a yellow card (56') for holding. His strike briefly made the group standings interesting.

The shot map tells the one-sided story as clearly as the scoreline: Belgium attempted 35 shots (10 on target) to New Zealand's 6 (2 on target). The xG gap of 3.60 to 0.24 reflects not just quantity but quality of chances — nearly every Belgian attack reached dangerous areas. Possession (55-45%) understates Belgium's control because New Zealand had the ball mostly in non-threatening zones. This was Belgium's most complete performance of the group stage after managing just one goal across their first two matches.

Both yellow cards went to New Zealand players: Marko Stamenić (46', tripping) and Elijah Just (56', holding).

Belgium top Group G with 5 points (1W, 2D, 0L, +4 GD), leapfrogging Egypt on goal difference after the Pharaohs drew 1-1 with Iran. Egypt finished second also on 5 points, Iran third on 3 points, and New Zealand bottom with 1 point from two draws and one defeat.

Belgium advance to the Round of 32 where they face a third-placed team from Groups A, E, H, I or J on Wednesday 1 July at Lumen Field in Seattle (4 p.m. ET). New Zealand are eliminated, having taken one point from their debut World Cup group-stage campaign — a 2-2 draw with Iran on Matchday 1.

Belgium did what the scoreline demanded against an opponent that was outclassed from the first whistle. After two flat performances, this was a sharp, ruthless display. Whether it signals a genuine recovery or merely reflects the gulf in quality against Group G's weakest side is the question Garcia's team must answer in the knockout phase.