Belgium and Egypt qualify for the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

Belgium and Egypt advanced to the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup after completing their final Group G fixtures with differing results. Belgium secured a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand, while Egypt played out a 1-1 draw against Iran, who still retain qualification chances via the best third-placed team path.

Playing at BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, Jeremy Doku, Brandon Mechele, and Youri Tielemans took turns threatening New Zealand's defence but failed to register an opening goal.

Leandro Trossard's 11th minute strike also struck the goalpost, while Kevin De Bruyne's goalscoring chance was denied by an outstanding save from Max Crocombe.

Belgium's sustained pressure finally resulted in a goal in the 28th minute through Trossard's solo run. Belgium held a 1-0 lead heading into the half-time break.

Five minutes into the second half, Trossard doubled Belgium's advantage after converting an assist from Hans Vanaken. A VAR review was conducted but the goal stood, extending Belgium's lead to 2-0.

Kevin De Bruyne made it 3-0 with a powerful long-range strike from outside the penalty box in the 67th minute.

New Zealand pulled one goal back through Elijah Just's volley in the 84th minute, before Belgium responded immediately.

Romelu Lukaku, who had only just entered the pitch as a substitute, scored with a header just one minute after coming on.

Alexis Saelemaekers completed Belgium's goal rout in stoppage time, sealing the emphatic 5-1 final score. This result confirmed Belgium's progression to the Round of 32 as Group G winners.

Egypt and Iran Share The Spoils

In the other fixture held at Seattle Stadium, Egypt and Iran contested a tight duel from the opening whistle. Egypt took the lead in the 5th minute when Mahmoud Saber converted the rebound from Mohamed Salah's shot, which was not properly secured by goalkeeper Safar Beiranvand.

Iran received an opportunity to equalise just four minutes later, after Abdelmonem fouled Mehdi Taremi to concede a penalty. However, Taremi's spot kick was successfully saved by Mostafa Shobeir.

Iran eventually drew level in the 14th minute. Ramin Rezaeian pounced on the loose ball following Shobeir's save, making it 1-1 - a scoreline that remained until half-time.

In the second half, Egypt relied on the creativity of Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Trezeguet to break down Iran's defence, while Team Melli threatened via fast counter-attacks.

Iran very nearly stole a late victory when Mehdi Taremi's header hit the crossbar in the 89th minute, followed by a Shojae Khalilzadeh stoppage time goal that was disallowed by VAR for offside.

The 1-1 scoreline held until the final whistle. This draw was enough to secure Egypt's place in the Round of 32 as Group G runners-up, while Iran must await results from other groups to keep their hopes alive of qualifying as one of the eight best third-placed teams.