Belgium Top Group G with 5-1 Rout as VAR Denies Iran at the Death — Egypt Survive
Belgium dismantled New Zealand 5-1 on June 26, 2026, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice, to clinch top spot in Group G. In the simultaneous fixture, a dramatic VAR decision overturned a late Iran goal that would have eliminated Egypt — the Lions of Pharaohs survive, Iran exit in heartbreak, and the Red Devils advance to the Round of 32.
Belgium 5-1 New Zealand: De Bruyne's Generation Delivers
When Belgium needed to perform, they performed. In a Group G finale at BC Place in Vancouver, the Red Devils produced a stunning 5-1 victory over New Zealand that announced their arrival in the knockout rounds with authority. Leandro Trossard was the standout performer, bagging two goals in a display that showcased everything that makes Belgium such a dangerous proposition when they are playing with confidence and cohesion. Three further goals followed, underscoring the full depth of Belgium's attacking quality even without confirmed details on individual scorers.
The performance silenced some of the doubts that had crept in earlier in the group stage, when Belgium’s campaign had been described as intermittent and unconvincing. None of that mattered on June 26. From the opening whistle, the Red Devils played with a purpose and intensity that overwhelmed New Zealand, and the 5-1 scoreline reflected the true dominance of the display. Kevin De Bruyne, orchestrating from midfield in what many observers have described as his final chapter at the World Cup, showed moments of the brilliance that has defined his career — driving forward, setting the tempo, and combining with the forward line with the intelligence and vision that has made him one of the finest midfielders of his generation.
For New Zealand, the result brings a tournament that has provided proud moments to a close. The All Whites — making history simply by being here — have demonstrated throughout the group stage that they belong in this competition, even if the gulf in quality against top European nations proved ultimately too wide to bridge. Elijah Just, reportedly among the scorers in this match, has been one of the revelation performers of New Zealand's World Cup campaign, and his goals across the tournament will live long in the memory of a nation that is growing in love with the beautiful game.
Egypt 1-1 Iran: The Most Controversial Moment of Day 16
If Belgium's performance against New Zealand was a statement of quality, the simultaneous fixture between Egypt and Iran delivered the most dramatic, heart-stopping, and controversial moment of the entire Day 16 programme. And it came in the dying seconds.
Egypt and Iran entered their Group G Matchday 3 clash knowing that the result would decide which of them joined Belgium in the Round of 32. A draw favoured Egypt, who had the better goal difference. Iran needed a win. The match was tense, physically intense, and full of the kind of pressure that group stage deciders always carry. When Iran scored a late goal that appeared to give them the result they needed — the players celebrating, the Iranian supporters inside the stadium erupting — the cruel reality of modern football intervened.
VAR reviewed the goal. Replays were checked. The on-field referee was called to the monitor. And after what felt like an eternity, the decision came: goal disallowed. The stadium fell into competing camps of joy and devastation. Egypt's players, who moments earlier had believed their tournament was over, could barely comprehend what was happening. Iran's players slumped. The final whistle followed shortly after — 1-1. Egypt had survived.
The specific reason for the disallowance — whether the goal was ruled out for offside, a foul in the build-up, or handball — has not been confirmed in initial match reports at the time of publication. What is confirmed is the result: Egypt qualify for the Round of 32 as Group G runners-up. Iran are eliminated. And the debate about VAR — the technology that has been as divisive as it has been decisive throughout this tournament — will rattle on well beyond the final whistle.
For Mohamed Salah, the Egypt captain and one of the most beloved footballers on the planet, the survival means his World Cup continues. The story of whether Salah can lead his nation to a deep run at a World Cup remains one of the great unanswered questions in football, and now, at least, that story has another chapter to be written in the Round of 32.
Group G Final Standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| Egypt | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Iran | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| New Zealand | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
Note: Standings based on available confirmed data. Final figures subject to official confirmation.
What Comes Next: Belgium and Egypt in the Round of 32
Belgium advance to the Round of 32 as Group G winners, having demonstrated a quality and depth in their final group stage performance that suggests they are capable of going deep into this tournament. The core of what has been described as the ‘Golden Generation’ — De Bruyne, Trossard, and the senior figures of Belgian football — may be playing their last World Cup, but they are doing so with the conviction and determination that comes from knowing this is their final opportunity. The knockout rounds will provide their sternest test yet.
Egypt, having survived the most dramatic of Group G countdowns, now face an entirely different kind of pressure: the knockout round, where every mistake is permanent and every opportunity must be seized. Salah's presence in the squad ensures that Egypt carry a match-winning threat regardless of opposition. Whether they can harness that threat and the collective spirit that carried them through the group stage against expectations, the Round of 32 will reveal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Iran appeared to score a late goal that would have ended Egypt's tournament, but VAR overturned the decision after a review. The specific reason for the disallowance — offside, foul in the build-up, or handball — has not been officially confirmed in initial match reports. The score remained 1-1, which was sufficient for Egypt to qualify as Group G runners-up, and Iran were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Leandro Trossard scored twice for Belgium in their 5-1 victory. The identities of the other three Belgium goalscorers have not been confirmed in reports available at the time of publication. New Zealand's consolation goal was reportedly scored by Elijah Just, who has been a standout performer throughout New Zealand's group stage campaign.
Yes. Belgium topped Group G following their 5-1 victory over New Zealand on June 26, 2026. The convincing win moved Belgium above Egypt in the group standings, confirming the Red Devils as group winners. Egypt qualified as runners-up after their 1-1 draw with Iran — preserved by a dramatic late VAR decision. Iran and New Zealand were eliminated.