After 1,347 days without a World Cup triumph, Belgium finally ended their drought in emphatic fashion. A relentless first-half barrage, featuring 16 shots including four on target, set the tone against an overmatched New Zealand side. The breakthrough arrived through Leandro Trossard, whose composed finish in the 28th minute capitalized on a defensive miscue by right-back Tim Payne, whose back inadvertently redirected the ball into his own path.
Diables Rouges dominate from start to finish
The Belgians maintained their technical superiority throughout, with Kevin De Bruyne and Hans Vanaken orchestrating proceedings from midfield. However, clinical finishing remained an issue until the 50th minute, when Trossard doubled the lead with a first-time strike following a De Bruyne assist, after a New Zealand clearance rebounded back into play. Substitute Matias Fernandez-Pardo (56th) injected fresh energy, and Romelu Lukaku soon thereafter punished a defensive lapse to make it 3-0 on 67 minutes—his 30th international goal. The Napoli striker’s brace ensured Belgium’s place at the summit on goal difference ahead of Egypt.
Egypt survives late scare to reach knockout stage
While Belgium celebrated, Egypt clung to their historic qualification with a tense stalemate against Iran. Mahmoud Saber’s early strike (5th minute) had given the Pharaohs hope, but Mehdi Taremi equalized just nine minutes later after Mostafa Shobeir saved his own penalty. The match descended into physicality before Iran nearly snatched victory in stoppage time—two late efforts were denied by the crossbar and a marginal offside call, sparking wild celebrations on the pitch.
The draw secured Egypt’s first-ever World Cup knockout berth despite enduring a nervy finale. Their relief was palpable as players collapsed to the turf at full-time, having survived one of the most dramatic group-stage conclusions in recent memory.
The group’s conclusion left Iran in third place, still harboring faint hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams. Their frustration was evident, but they remain mathematically in contention ahead of the final group-stage fixtures.
Belgium, now back at their Seattle training base, will await their Round of 16 opponent with renewed confidence. Their emphatic victory has banished the ghosts of past tournaments and restored belief in their title ambitions. The knockout stage begins Wednesday at 10 p.m. local time—where the Red Devils aim to make history.
