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Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1 to reach World Cup last 32

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 Belgium celebrate after Kevin de Bruyne's goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group G match v New Zealand at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on June 26, 2026. (Ercin Erturk / AFP)

Belgium defeated New Zealand 5-1 to book their place in the knockout rounds of the World Cup on Friday, securing their first win of the tournament to finish on top of Group G in Vancouver.

A double strike from Arsenal's Leandro Trossard and goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers carried the Red Devils into the last 32 in first place ahead of Egypt on goal difference.

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