FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver
New Zealand vs Belgium at BC Place
New Zealand vs Belgium
Matchday review
Friday, June 26 | BC Place
On a rainy June 26 in Vancouver, New Zealand and Belgium wrapped up Group G with a one-sided encounter at BC Place. Led by Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard, Belgium romped to a 5-1 win that propelled them into the Round of 32 as group winners.
The story of the match
Still Some Fight Left in the ‘Golden Generation’
For more than a decade, Belgium have fielded a group of players of such high calibre they earned the nickname the ‘Golden Generation.’ In what is likely their last World Cup, Belgian captain Kevin de Bruyne and striker Romelu Lukaku took to the field looking sharp, peppering the New Zealand goal with shots during a dominant display. The Belgians would go on to enjoy a deep run in the tournament, knocking out the United States in the Round of 16, before losing to Spain in the quarter finals.
New Zealand Exit the Tournament with a Whimper
Making their second appearance at BC Place in World Cup play, New Zealand were very much the underdogs in this encounter, and they were unable to upset the Belgian Red Devils.
Despite the best efforts of captain and striker Chris Wood, New Zealand could only muster two shots on goal during the game, leaving fans waiting for their first every appearance in the knockout rounds.
Who scored the only World Cup goal ever for Canada?
Alphonso Davies scored the only ever goal recorded by team Canada on the FIFA World Cup™️ stage in 2022, with his header against Croatia in the 2nd match of the group stage assisted by Tajon Buchanen.
