LONDON, June 27 (Alliance News):Belgium secured top spot in FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G with a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand, while Egypt advanced to the knockout stage after a tense 1-1 draw with Iran, whose dramatic stoppage-time winner was ruled out by VAR.
Kevin De Bruyne inspired Belgium’s first win of the tournament, delivering a brilliant individual performance as Leandro Trossard scored twice to help the European side finish the group stage strongly.
After two disappointing draws against Egypt and Iran, Belgium finally found their rhythm in Vancouver, controlling the match from the opening whistle. Trossard opened the scoring after a De Bruyne corner created confusion inside the box, allowing the forward to finish calmly.
De Bruyne continued to dominate the game with his passing and creativity, setting up Trossard’s second goal before scoring Belgium’s third in the 66th minute with a powerful low strike into the corner.
Romelu Lukaku, introduced from the bench, added Belgium’s fourth goal shortly after entering the field, while Alexis Saelemaekers completed the rout with a stoppage-time strike.
The victory placed Belgium at the top of Group G with five points, ahead of Egypt on goal difference. Belgium will now face one of the best third-placed teams in the last 32.
“This is what the so-called oldies did tonight,” Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said, praising the performances of De Bruyne, Trossard, and Lukaku. “We haven’t won anything yet, but we moved on to the next phase.”
Meanwhile, Egypt made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time in World Cup history after a dramatic draw against Iran.
Egypt took the lead in the fifth minute when Mahmoud Saber capitalised on a loose ball and fired past Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Iran responded immediately and earned a penalty after Mehdi Taremi was fouled, but goalkeeper Shoubir produced a brilliant save to deny the equaliser. Iran continued pressing and eventually levelled the match through Ramin Rezaeian.
The second half saw intense action as Iran pushed for a winning goal. Shojae Khalilzadeh appeared to score a late winner, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside, leaving Iran waiting for their final qualification fate.
Iran finished third in Group G with three points and remain in contention for a place among the best third-placed teams.
Egypt, unbeaten in three matches, will now face Australia in the last 32, while Belgium continues its knockout-stage journey with renewed confidence.
