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Trossard Brace Powers Belgium 5-1 Victory, Group G Champs

6/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Leandro Trossard’s brace led Belgium to a 5-1 win over New Zealand, securing its first World Cup victory.
The Vancouver victory moved Belgium into the round of 32 as Group G champions.
Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers each scored while Elijah Just added a late consolation for New Zealand.
Coach Rudi Garcia said the win gives Belgium momentum before a knockout game against a third-place finisher in Seattle.

History

Historical Context

Belgium’s first World Cup win arrived in 1970, but its golden era peaked in 1986 when coach Guy Thys guided captain Jan Ceulemans to a fourth-place finish, highlighted by a 4-3 extra-time upset of the Soviet Union. In 2024 the Red Devils, now led by Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard, echoed that dominance with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver.

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Story summary

Leandro Trossard’s brace led Belgium to a 5-1 win over New Zealand, securing its first World Cup victory.
The Vancouver victory moved Belgium into the round of 32 as Group G champions.
Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers each scored while Elijah Just added a late consolation for New Zealand.
Coach Rudi Garcia said the win gives Belgium momentum before a knockout game against a third-place finisher in Seattle.

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