Belgium showed exactly why they are among the tournament's most dangerous sides with a crucial 5-1 win over New Zealand at BC Place, Vancouver, moving to the top of their group at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The victory is a commanding statement in a tournament featuring 48 nations for the first time in history, co-hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Three points from the opening fixture places Belgium firmly in control of their own destiny, needing only consistent results to advance to the round of 16 alongside the best third-placed finishers.
This 6-goal contest featured some fine finishing, though scorer details are yet to be confirmed by official sources.
Belgium edged the territorial battle, finishing with 54.5% possession against their opponent's 45.5%. The shot count read 6 to 35 — Belgium showed greater menace in the final third but the numbers only tell part of the story.
Belgium top their group with a maximum haul of three points from the opening fixture. For New Zealand, the recovery work begins immediately — there is plenty of football still to play in a format that gives every team a genuine chance to qualify. The 52,497 crowd inside BC Place, Vancouver played their part throughout.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup — the first with 48 nations — has been defined by its unpredictability. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, it offers football fans a spectacle unlike anything seen before, with matches spread across iconic venues on three continents.
