New Zealand v Belgium · OurXI

★ The storyline

Belgium are up and running

Belgium got the job done, 5–1 against New Zealand in the group stage. A good day at the office for ours — exactly the start you want, and the kind of result that makes the next one feel lighter.

TalismanDeveloping

Belgium put New Zealand to the sword

Belgium 5, New Zealand 1. A statement in the group stage — they didn't just win, they sent a message. The kind of result that makes the rest of the field sit up.

Why it matters

Group stage, Group G — points on the line.

Who to watch

Talisman

Chris Wood

New Zealand

The focal point up front and the man New Zealand lean on, though an injury-plagued 2026 has clouded his run-in to the tournament.

Talisman

Kevin De Bruyne

Belgium

The creative heartbeat Belgium will lean on to make their attacking edge count.

Developing

New Zealand are out at the group stage

That's that, then. New Zealand are out at the group stage — the maths finally caught up. A disappointing end, but there'll be stories to tell and lessons to take from it.

Developing

Belgium are through to the last 32

Belgium are into the last 32. Job done in the group, and now the tournament really begins — one-and-done from here, every match a final.

Developing

Belgium bow out

And there it ends. Belgium fall to Spain 2–1 in the quarter-finals, and a summer of following them is over. It stings now — but what a ride it was, and there's no shame in going out swinging.

Developing

Belgium bow out

And there it ends. Belgium fall to Spain, and a summer of following them is over. It stings now — but what a ride it was, and there's no shame in going out swinging.