Belgium after dominant win: "We are ready to deliver"

Things have clicked!

On Saturday night, the Belgian national team celebrated their first victory at the 2026 World Cup against New Zealand, securing first place in Group G (Match report >>>).

"There is only one place where you can give an answer, and that is on the pitch," said Belgium coach Rudi Garcia to Belgian broadcaster "RTBF".

His squad had certainly been under pressure before the final group match, following draws against Egypt (1:1) and Iran (0:0).

Offensive Firepower

Especially in the goalless draw against Iran, the "Red Devils" had numerous chances – 23 shots in total – but failed to convert them.

Against New Zealand, the Belgians had even more shots on goal. Kevin De Bruyne & Co. fired off a total of 35 shots – the third-highest tally in all Belgian World Cup matches since data collection began in 1966. This time, the Belgians were efficient.

Match-winner Trossard

For the eternal dark horse, who only stumbled in the semi-finals against France at the 2018 World Cup, the veterans particularly impressed on Saturday night. Leading the way was Leandro Trossard (31), who crowned himself the match-winner with a brace.

"We played very well and are now happy to have progressed as group winners," said the Arsenal attacking player, who received praise from his coach.

Garcia: "I know he's not particularly appreciated in the national team, but he answered on the pitch. He has been the best Belgian player since the start of the tournament. I had asked him to be more decisive and try his luck more in front of goal. He can do that, and he proved it in this game."

Kevin De Bruyne and super-sub Romelu Lukaku also got on the scoresheet. After coming on, Lukaku needed only a few seconds for his sixth World Cup goal in a Belgium shirt, making him now the sole record World Cup scorer, ahead of Marc Wilmots (5 goals).

Courtois hopes for Belgium run in knockout phase

"We are all ready to deliver. I believe we can improve further as the tournament progresses," Trossard said, already looking ahead to the knockout phase after the match against New Zealand. Belgium's opponent in the Round of 32 in Seattle is not yet confirmed.

"I think if we reach the quarter-finals, we have a good chance, and then anything is possible in football," hoped goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, now Belgium's record World Cup player with 18 appearances, for a run of form.

At the same time, the Real Madrid goalkeeper also tempered expectations somewhat: "But we will think game by game. I don't think we have the same quality as in 2018, but we have a very good team."