New Zealand 1-5 Belgium Player Ratings: A Five-Star Performance From The Red Devils Sees Them Top Group G To Secure Round of 32 Spot

Rudi Garcia's Belgium were in the quest to find their first win of the tournament as they faced New Zealand in their final group stage match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. While the Red Devils needed a win to qualify, New Zealand needed a win and a positive goal difference to at least go through as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

The Belgium national football team showed the winning intent from the first whistle itself, as they pressed high up the pitch, forcing the New Zealand defenders to misplace their passes. Leandro Trossard thought he had opened the scoring in the 12th minute, only to see his effort rattle the woodwork agonisingly.

Max Crocombe made a good save from Brandon Mechele shortly after, keeping the scoreline intact. The Red Devils were awarded a penalty in the 20th minute as Trossard's shot seemed to come off Finn Surman's arm. However, a VAR check overturned the on-field decision, citing that Surman's arm was in a natural position.

In the 28th minute, a corner from Kevin de Bruyne was allowed to bounce in the penalty area, which bounced off Tim Payne, falling nicely for Leandro Trossard to score from point-blank range. The New Zealand national football team tried to hit back, but their crosses lacked the required guile and precision to find the likes of Chris Wood in the Belgium box.

Charles De Ketelaere should have made it two for Belgium, but his low effort was well saved by Crocombe once again.

Leandro Trossard was at it again as De Bruyne found Hans Vanaken, who passed it to the Arsenal forward in the New Zealand box. Trossard turned and took a shot, which was saved by Crocombe, but to his misfortune, the ball fell to Trossard again, who fired it instinctively into the back of the net in the 50th minute.

Kevin De Bruyne added to his tally too as he hit one from outside the box past Crocombe at the bottom right corner to make it three for Belgium in the 66th minute. Elijah Just pulled one back for New Zealand in the 84th minute as he fired in a rocket from outside the box.

However, New Zealand's joy was short-lived as Romelu Lukaku joined the party as well in the 86th minute to score Belgium's fourth, ending the contest effectively. Alexis Saelemaekers was on the scoresheet too, as he scored the fifth to complete an all-round performance.

Belgium secured qualification ultimately, while the All Whites were dumped out after a disastrous outing once again.

Check out Sportsdunia's New Zealand vs Belgium Player Ratings below.

New Zealand National Football Team Player Ratings vs Belgium

See the New Zealand national football team player ratings from the New Zealand vs Belgium Player Ratings.

Belgium National Football Team Player Ratings vs New Zealand

Here are the Belgium national football team player ratings from the New Zealand vs Belgium Player Ratings.

Man of the Match

Leandro Trossard was adjudged Sportsdunia's man of the match from New Zealand vs Belgium.

Worst Performance

Marko Stamenic was the worst player in this FIFA World Cup Group G fixture.