Marc Degryse warns Belgium must confirm group win at World Cup

Belgium’s national team secured a 5‑1 victory over New Zealand in their World Cup group match, clinching the group and keeping their quarter‑final route open. The win, which defied pre‑tournament expectations, leaves the Red Lions eyeing a decisive knockout performance in the next round. The 5‑1 triumph turned Belgium into group winners, a result that ran counter to the pre‑tournament outlook. Prior to the win, the Red Lions had recorded two disappointing draws in the group stage. Looking ahead to the round of 16, Belgium will face a best‑third‑placed side, with South Korea currently the favourite to emerge as that opponent. A victory would set up a potential quarter‑final clash with either the United States or Bosnia & Herzegovina.

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"I actually expect that, I even anticipate it," Marc Degryse said, speaking to . He stressed that Belgium must reach the quarter‑finals to keep their tournament hopes alive. "If it ends up being South Korea, they lost to South Africa," Degryse remarked. He added that being eliminated by such an opponent would amount to a failed World Cup for Belgium.

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Degryse dismissed the likelihood of early elimination, recalling the 1986 World Cup when a team grew confidence and eventually knocked out a top nation. He believes Belgium can follow a similar trajectory.