FIFA World Cup 2026: Kevin De Bruyne sets Belgium record in New Zealand win

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Belgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has written his name into the record books by becoming the first footballer in his nation’s history to score in three separate editions of the FIFA World Cup.

According to statistics from OptaPaolo’s X account, De Bruyne reached this historic milestone during Belgium’s commanding victory over New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G encounter.

The legendary midfielder previously found the back of the net in both the 2014 and 2018 tournaments before adding to his tally in the current 2026 edition, highlighting his longevity and excellence on the world stage.

De Bruyne struck in the 66th minute of Belgium’s emphatic win against the All Whites, a result that ensured the Red Devils finished their group-stage campaign positively.

Late in the match, a headed goal from substitute Romelu Lukaku helped Belgium secure the number one spot in Group G at the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a dominant win, while the defeat confirmed New Zealand’s exit from the competition.

Clinical Red Devils score five goals against New Zealand

Belgium dominated the game from the opening whistle at BC Place in Vancouver. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the 28th minute, poking the ball home from point-blank range after the New Zealand defence failed to deal with a corner.

The European giants kept their foot on the gas after the interval, and Trossard secured his brace just five minutes into the second half by reacting quickest to slot home a rebound after his initial shot was saved.

Kevin De Bruyne extended the lead to 3-0 in the 66th minute with an accurate, low drive from long range, simultaneously becoming the oldest player to score for Belgium at a FIFA World Cup at the age of 34 years and 363 days.

New Zealand managed to pull a goal back through Elijah Just during the final minutes of the contest, but striker Romelu Lukaku quickly restored Belgium’s comfortable cushion only two minutes later with a powerful header that pushed his team to the top of the group standings on goal difference. Alexis Saelemaekers then put the finishing touches on the victory by netting a fifth goal during injury time.

(With ANI inputs)

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