World Cup
Lukaku and Courtois set personal milestones as Belgium dominate
Belgium's Red Devils secured the group lead at the World Cup with a 5‑1 victory over New Zealand, while Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois each celebrated personal milestones. Lukaku, who entered from the bench, struck in the 85th minute, and Courtois recorded his 18th World Cup appearance, a new Belgian record.
Lukaku began the match on the bench before finding the net in the 85th minute. His goal came from a perfect cross by Nicolas Raskin, who delivered the assist.
Alexis Saelemaekers added the fifth goal in injury time to seal the 5‑1 scoreline. Combined with Egypt's 1‑1 draw against Iran, the win placed Belgium at the top of Group E.
The strike marked Lukaku's 91st for Belgium in 129 appearances. It also became his sixth goal at a World Cup finals, matching the record previously held solely by Marc Wilmots, who scored five.
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It was Lukaku's first goal at a major tournament since the Euro 2021 quarter‑final loss to Italy. In the opening match he had already contributed to an Egyptian own‑goal just 22 seconds after entering the field. Thibaut Courtois stepped onto the pitch for his 18th World Cup match, surpassing Enzo Scifo's previous Belgian record of 17 appearances. The achievement makes Courtois the most capped Belgian goalkeeper at World Cup finals. Courtois will have the opportunity to extend this record in the round of 16 on Wednesday. The upcoming knockout game offers him a chance to further sharpen his World Cup appearance tally. "He must always be in the squad," said Vandenbempt, expressing confidence in Lukaku's role. The coach's comment underscores the belief that the striker remains essential for Belgium's ambitions.