Belgium advances to Round of 32
Belgium has secured its place in the World Cup Round of 32 following a decisive 5-1 victory against New Zealand. This win, which took place in Vancouver, saw Belgium finish at the top of Group G, setting the stage for a match against one of the tournament’s third-placed teams. For New Zealand, the defeat marked the end of their World Cup campaign.
The match was characterised by Belgium’s statistical dominance, as they controlled possession and registered 35 shots. Their attacking efforts resulted in 3.69 xG (expected goals) and four significant scoring opportunities. This strong performance allowed Belgium to claim their first win of the 2026 tournament after drawing their initial two group matches.
The team’s manager, Rudi Garcia, reflected on the performance, noting that while they haven’t won the tournament, they have advanced to the next phase. He highlighted the importance of their four-goal difference in securing the top spot in the group. Garcia expressed confidence in his players and their collective strength, suggesting the team is gaining momentum as they progress.
Key Player Performances
Leandro Trossard was a standout performer for Belgium, contributing two goals to the 5-1 victory. His first goal came in the 28th minute from a corner, and he doubled his tally five minutes into the second half with a chest and volley finish. Trossard’s efforts earned him a 17-point fantasy haul, making him the top points scorer in the match. He demonstrated his dangerous form early on, with an early left-footed strike hitting the post and another effort being deflected over the crossbar.
Trossard and Kevin De Bruyne displayed a strong partnership throughout the game. De Bruyne’s corner led to Trossard’s opener, and their combined play created further chances. De Bruyne also scored with a superb left-footed finish from outside the box, contributing to Belgium’s three-goal lead and earning him 12 fantasy points. Their understanding on the pitch proved increasingly dangerous for the opposition.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku also made a significant impact, scoring with a header shortly after coming on. He then provided an assist for fellow substitute Alexis Saelemaekers, who scored Belgium’s fifth goal. Lukaku’s performance earned him 11 fantasy points, raising questions about a potential starting role in the Round of 32, especially after a quieter display from Charles De Ketelaere, who returned to the starting XI after recovering from injury.
Team Changes and Outlook
Belgium’s lineup saw several changes for the match against New Zealand. A suspension for Nathan Ngoy, following a red card in the previous round, necessitated a defensive reshuffle. Brandon Mechele moved to right centre-back, allowing Arthur Theate to play on the left. Timothy Castagne also replaced Thomas Meunier at right-back. In midfield, Hans Vanaken started in place of Nicolas Raskin.
In attack, Jérémy Doku returned to the squad after missing the previous match. He started on the right wing, which allowed Trossard to switch to the left. Doku’s return was a topic of discussion before the match, with the manager noting that Doku had not trained for seven full days and was unlikely to play the full 90 minutes. Despite this, Doku was seen as a player who could make a difference, though the team’s strength was emphasised as a collective effort.
New Zealand’s only goal came from a corner, with Elijah Just scoring after the initial delivery was parried. Despite this, New Zealand failed to create any other significant scoring chances. Belgium is now awaiting the identity of their Round of 32 opponents, with South Korea, Senegal, Algeria, or Austria being the most likely possibilities. The team heads into the knockout stage with confidence, and their attacking rhythm continues to improve.
The Round of 32 match for Belgium is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, with a 9pm UK time kick-off in Seattle.
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Source: fantasyfootballscout.co.uk
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Joel Kavanagh is a Sports News Writer at News-GB. He started on a Midlands sports desk. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from De Montfort University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Leicester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight calendar. “In sport news, the first ten minutes decide everything.”