Finally, Belgium arrived: 4 takeaways from the group win against New Zealand

How quickly our game can change.

Belgium, which had been extremely disappointing during the 2026 World Cup, finally got rid of its inhibitions and won resoundingly, 5-1, against New Zealand on Friday evening in Vancouver.

As a result, the Red Devils avoided early embarrassment. And, just like that – with some late drama from substitutes Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers – they secured top spot against Egypt in Group G, thanks to a greater goal difference. A brace from Leandro Trossard and another from Kevin De Bruyne secured victory in a complete performance, and it was just what the doctor ordered.

As for New Zealand, after a well-deserved point against Iran on the opening day, the Kiwis unfortunately lost two matches in a row and bowed out of the World Cup.

Here are my takeaways:

1. Finally, Belgium made it to the World Cup

One of the reasons why we have appreciated Belgium for many years is its aesthetic football. At their best – thanks to the talent they have at their disposal and especially in midfield – the Red Devils push the ball forward with such ease.

This is what happened on Friday. From the first whistle, Belgium pushed, dominated possession and, entering the final third, went from a 4-3-3 to a 2-1-7. The backs played as wingers, the wingers as attackers, Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans directed the entire game and De Bruyne essentially transformed into a striker. We’ll talk about that later.

But the goal was to be more fluid up top and not have a target man. In fact, they were all targets.

Trossard built on that Arsenal title-winning confidence tonight with an excellent brace too. He was excellent tonight. The icing on the cake was Lukaku’s goal, who came on late to save the goal difference. And then Saelemaekers added the exclamation point.

But overall, for all of Rudi Garcia’s team tonight, it was a great performance from a national team, which finished in third place in the 2018 World Cup. Perhaps this is the start of momentum for Belgium.

2. The return of Jérémy Doku triggers the attack

(Photo by DIRK WAEM / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images)

After the birth of his first child, a son named Praise, alongside his wife Shireen, Doku’s teammates undoubtedly welcomed – sorry, I had to – his return to the lineup.

The Manchester City winger often plays like a video game character, where his changes of direction and speed can be a nightmare for any opposing defender.

So Garcia moved him from right wing to left with Trossard on the other side, and New Zealand just couldn’t deal with his trickery.

He didn’t score tonight, but he didn’t need to. Doku is just a continuous weapon that never stops surprising you with its runs. When you have someone like him, everything becomes easier because he demands so much attention that it opens up space everywhere else.

3. Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne: a brilliant double

As a lifelong Aston Villa fan, you already know what I think of Tielemans, so it was disappointing to see him get off to such a poor start in this tournament, especially after having his best ever season in the Premier League and Europe.

But on Friday against New Zealand he was fantastic in playing the role of conductor, leading the Belgian orchestra into the middle of the park. If the team enters the final third, it is almost always thanks to him.

Then there’s De Bruyne, one of the best attacking midfielders in modern football. He turns 35 on Sunday, but based on tonight you’d never have known it because he was constantly getting into the box and opening up opportunities for his teammates. In the 66th minute, he scored the team’s third goal.

Forget his passing, which is obviously world class. Younger players should just watch his moves. It’s great.

4. New Zealand got it wrong – until it was too late

(Photo by Ercin Erturk/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In the first half, Darren Bazeley’s side managed no shots and just one touch in the box. He only managed 38-40% possession and simply couldn’t create anything of value. It got better in the second, but it was too late.

The strategy was also confusing as it decided to stand idly by and allow Belgium to continue attacking the box with very little room to counter. It was the equivalent of a boxer asking to be punched without intending to protect his face.

I always thought New Zealand’s best asset was their physicality and their ability to hit their opponents with counterattacks. He didn’t succeed this evening. Bravo, however, to Elijah Just, who had a superb tournament with three goals.

In the end, Belgium proved too strong, won and finished first in the group. We will now have to wait another day to find out which team he will face in the round of 16 in Seattle on Wednesday.