Romelu Lukaku becomes Belgium's highest FIFA WC scorer with record-breaking goal

Romelu Lukaku became Belgium's highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history after scoring in his side's 5-1 win over New Zealand in their Group G match at the FIFA World Cup 2026.The 33-year-old scored in the 86th minute to take his World Cup tally to six goals, moving past Marc Wilmots, who had scored five goals for Belgium at the tournament, according to OptaJose as reported by ANI.Lukaku reached the milestone during Belgium's comfortable win, which helped them finish at the top of Group G.Belgium controlled the game from the start, with New Zealand failing to register a single shot in the first half.Leandro Trossard almost won an early penalty after his effort struck Finn Surman on the arm, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.Trossard gave Belgium the lead in the 28th minute by scoring from close range after the ball broke loose inside the box.The Arsenal forward scored again early in the second half with an acrobatic finish after his first effort had been saved by Max Crocombe.Kevin De Bruyne then made it 3-0 with a strike from outside the penalty area after Trossard's run opened up space in attack.New Zealand reduced the deficit through Elijah Just, but Belgium responded quickly. Lukaku headed home to extend the lead before setting up Alexis Saelemaekers, who scored Belgium's fifth goal with the final touch of the match.With a scoring outburst, Belgium finished atop Group G and will face a third-place finisher on Wednesday in Seattle. The match was played simultaneously to the other group finale in Seattle between Egypt and Iran, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.