Wales have been dealt a mammoth blow to their hopes of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup as they succumbed to a home defeat at the hands of Belgium.
The hosts got off to the perfect start, with Joe Rodon’s eighth-minute header seeing Craig Bellamy’s side capitalise on early pressure in Cardiff. However, Belgium flipped the game on its head before the half-hour mark, with Kevin De Bruyne levelling from the spot before Thomas Meunier fired into the top corner to complete the turnaround.
The visitors added to their lead after the break through another De Bruyne penalty, and while Nathan Broadhead instilled late hope with his 89th-minute finish, Leandro Trossard quickly put dreams of a fightback to bed just a minute later.
It leaves Craig Bellamy’s side with only a glimmer of hope when it comes to topping their qualification group, meaning it will likely be through the perilous play-offs if Wales are to compete in next summer’s World Cup finals.
Relive all the action from the Cardiff City Stadium below:
Wales v Belgium - World Cup 2026 qualifier live updates
- FULL TIME! Wales beaten by Belgium in blow to automatic World Cup qualification hopes
- 90' GOAL! Trossard ensures dreams of fightback are short-lived [WAL 2-4 BEL]
- 89' GOAL! Broadhead gives Wales hope of late comeback [WAL 2-3 BEL]
- 76' GOAL! De Bruyne doubles his tally with another penalty to put game to bed [WAL 1-3 BEL]
- 24' GOAL! Meunier fires into top corner to flip game on its head [WAL 1-2 BEL]
- 18' GOAL! De Bruyne converts spot-kick to level [WAL 1-1 BEL]
- 8' GOAL! Rodon heads home as Wales get off to dream start [WAL 1-0 BEL]
Kevin De Bruyne double sinks Wales as Belgium take control of World Cup group
Tuesday 14 October 2025 00:00
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Will Castle
Wales’ hopes of automatic World Cup qualification were dealt a blow as Kevin De Bruyne converted two penalties in Belgium’s 4-2 win in Cardiff.
On a crazy night, when second-half Wales substitute Brennan Johnson had to shoo a rat off the pitch, Belgium recovered from an early deficit to take control of Group J.
Full report:
Ben Davies speaks on winning his 100th cap
Monday 13 October 2025 23:40
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Will Castle
While he did come off injured and the result didn’t go their way, there was still a tinge of brightness to Ben Davies’ outing tonight. He joined the Wales 100 club.
"It was really special [to get a hundred caps], and I'm sure with time I'll look back on it with really fond memories, but right now it's about the tough result at the moment,” he told BBC Sport.
Craig Bellamy left baffled by penalty decision
Monday 13 October 2025 23:20
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Will Castle
"I'm definitely proud of the players,” Bellamy told BBC Sport. “What we were looking to do we were exceptional at.
"It's not great because we've lost. We had momentum but the penalty gave them a lift and even the crowd died down.
"That's three penalties we've conceded against Belgium. We've scored five goals against them but not got a point, so that's hard to take.
"I have no complaints about the second [penalty]. But the first? What are we supposed to do with our hands?
"This is not sour grapes and congratulations to Belgium, but we've conceded four penalties from handballs.
"We didn't deserve it at that time. We had to react but they reacted better in that period."
Ben Davies says the 'dice didn't roll in our favour'
Monday 13 October 2025 23:00
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Will Castle
"It was a frustrating game, we started well, created a lot of chances, and it felt like a harsh penalty on the pitch,” he said. “It was one of those games where the dice didn't roll in our favour.
"I'm proud of the boys, we got Belgium to show us a lot of respect and to sit back and play on the counter-attack against us, and that doesn't happen too often. Their game plan worked tonight, and it's an other big learning curve for a young group."
Harry Wilson: We 'never recovered' from penalty shock
Monday 13 October 2025 22:45
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Will Castle
"It was really disappointing,” Wilson told BBC Sport. “Belgium's result against North Macedonia really gave us confidence because it was back in our hands and we wanted to put in a really good performance.
"We started really well, we wanted to be on the front foot, try and press them high and create chances and we managed to get the early goal through Joe.
"I've not seen the penalty back but it looked a bit harsh to me; Ethan was just moving side to side and it struck his hand.
"Maybe that's unfortunate but we have to defend the second goal better. We got from a positive start to being 2-1 down and it knocks the stuffing out of us.
"Another penalty when we're looking to get back in the game is disappointing and then we get ourselves back in it with a few minutes and concede from kick-off.
"We wanted it to be a special night under the lights. The penalty popped the bubble a bit and it didn't feel like we recovered from there."
How things stand in Group J
Monday 13 October 2025 22:30
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Will Castle
With North Macedonia and Kazakhstan drawing in Skopje, tonight’s result leaves Belgium top with a game in hand.
Wales - also with an extra game to play - are in third, three points behind North Macedonia.
With Belgium in control of the group, Wales look set to fight with North Macedonia for that play-off spot. The two nations clash on the final qualifying matchday in November.
Ethan Ampadu pleads for Wales to 'pick themselves back up'
Monday 13 October 2025 22:15
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Will Castle
"We can take some positives from what happened out there but the result isn't what we wanted,” he told BBC Sport.
"We're disappointed with the goals. Against a good team they were cheap goals to give away.
"You go through disappointments, you go through hard defeats and tough results, but we've got to pick ourselves up. We're going to do that.
"There's a gap now as we go back to our club teams, but when we come back, the pride of playing for Wales comes through."
James will 'regret' penalty incident, says Williams
Monday 13 October 2025 22:04
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Will Castle
Former Wales defender Ashley Williams feels Jordan James will regret the penalty incident that saw him lean into the ball and fall foul of a handball in the second half.
“I think it's natural instinct,” he told BBC Sport. “It seems so obviously stupid now but when the ball is there and you're frustrated you will try and stop it.
“The moment it hits his arm he will have regretted it straight away.”
Wales dealt major blow to hopes of automatic World Cup qualfication
Monday 13 October 2025 21:53
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Will Castle
FULL-TIME! Wales 2-4 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:47
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Will Castle
It’s a gutting result for Wales, who know that it will likely be through the play-offs if they are to book their place across the pond for the World Cup finals next year.
Wales 2-4 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:46
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Will Castle
90+8 mins: Wilson to Thomas, whose shot deflects wide.
And there goes the whistle!
Wales 2-4 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:46
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Will Castle
90+7 mins: Wales have a free-kick on the edge of the Belgium box.
Can Wilson’s wand of a left foot make this another 4-3?
Wales 2-4 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:44
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Will Castle
90+5 mins: Shocked that Doku hasn’t managed to find the net tonight.
He’s been absolutely sensational, and he could have made it five for Belgium as he drove in from the right.
Up the other end, Wales are peppering the Belgium box with crosses. Perhaps a bit in vain with time running out.
Wales 2-4 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:41
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Will Castle
90+1 mins: The most painful thing about Trossard’s goal was that just as it went in, the board went up for seven additional minutes.
Wales had time to get another. Maybe not two.
GOAL! Wales 2-4 Belgium (Trossard, 90')
Monday 13 October 2025 21:38
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Will Castle
Well that was short-lived.
A breakaway attack from the restart sees Belgium get men over, with the ball across finished by Trossard.
Game over.
GOAL! Wales 2-3 Belgium (Broadhead, 89')
Monday 13 October 2025 21:37
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Will Castle
There is hope!
Moore and Broadhead combine before the latter shimmies past his man and fires beyond Courtois.
Don’t write this Wales team off just yet.
Wales 1-3 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:34
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Will Castle
86 mins: One final throw of the dice from Bellamy as Dasilva and Moore come on for Wales.
The Wrexham frontman will be the target for all remaining attacks.
Wales 1-3 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:31
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Will Castle
82 mins: Triple change for Belgium as Witsel, Fofana and Mechele all enter the fray.
Fofana has been an instant threat down the left and could inflict a fourth on Wales if they’re not careful.
Wales 1-3 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:28
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Will Castle
80 mins: Wales have 10 minutes to produce something of a miracle here.
They have a glimpse at goal as Harris’ glancing head flies invitingly to the far post, but Wilson can’t get there to tap in.
Once again, it’s only the Belgians that can be heard in Cardiff.
GOAL! Wales 1-3 Belgium (De Bruyne, 76')
Monday 13 October 2025 21:24
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Will Castle
It’s De Bruyne again... and there was never any doubt, was there.
Darlow guesses the right way this time but it’s nestled beyond the keeper and into the bottom-right corner.
PENALTY! Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:22
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Will Castle
74 mins: The referee points to the spot again - and once more, it’s in favour of Belgium.
It’s a stonewall penalty, with James leaning into the lofted ball, which hits his arm in the box.
This will finish it.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:19
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Will Castle
71 mins: Concerning sight for Wales as Ben Davies sits on the deck injured. Looks like he’ll be making way - not how he would have wanted his 100th Wales cap to end.
He’s replaced by Broadhead, while Belgium’s Onana comes off for Vanaken.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:17
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Will Castle
69 mins: SAVE! Important save by Darlow.
It all starts with a loose pass pounced on by De Bruyne, who links up with ex-City teammate Doku in space.
He shuffles onto his left and fires low but it’s saved by the Wales stopper.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:14
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Will Castle
67 mins: Brennan Johnson ensures the rat in question is ushered off the pitch safely.
And we are back underway. That was fun.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:13
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Will Castle
66 mins: Ladies and gentlemen, there’s a rat on the pitch.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:13
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Will Castle
65 mins: Meunier sees yellow for time-wasting and will also miss the next qualify, which for Belgium is a trip to Kazakhstan.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:11
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Will Castle
63 mins: Optimistic shouts of handball from the Cardiff crowd as Belgium partially clear Thomas’ cross.
Another delivery is then pelted into the Belgium box, which again is dealt with.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:07
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Will Castle
60 mins: Onana goes down like he’s been shot in the face and the referee halts a promising chance for Wales due to a head injury.
Replays show that while a Welsh arm was flailing, it barely touched the midfielder.
The home crowd didn’t like that.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:06
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Will Castle
59 mins: Bellamy turns to the bench for the first time tonight as Brooks makes way for Johnson.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:04
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Will Castle
57 mins: Harris sees his shot deflected on the edge of the box but James keeps up the pressure to win a corner.
Cue a big roar from the crowd.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 21:03
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Will Castle
55 mins: The crowd are beginning to respond as Wales show signs of life for the first time since the restart.
Wilson makes a decent run down the left but Harris can't make his through ball count.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan have just scored in North Macedonia and lead 1-0.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:59
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Will Castle
52 mins: Doku once again causing problems as he draws the foul from Davies who is booked.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:56
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Will Castle
48 mins: CLOSE! A whisker away from Doku, who cuts onto his left and bends just over the top-left corner.
The dangerman for a reason.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:55
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Will Castle
47 mins: It’s electric from Jeremy Doku, who reels Davies in before beating his man and driving into the box.
He pulls it back towards Trossard who is thwarted by a Wales shirt to concede a corner.
BACK UNDERWAY! Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:53
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Will Castle
And we’re off again!
Wales need a Belgium-esque turnaround in this next 45.
The teams are back out
Monday 13 October 2025 20:52
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Will Castle
The second half is coming up in Cardiff...
Elsewhere in Group J
Monday 13 October 2025 20:49
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Will Castle
It's also half-time in the other Group J clash between North Macedonia and Kazakhstan.
This means, as it stands, Belgium will go top with two games remaining on 14 points, four ahead of Wales in third - who will have a game in hand on North Macedonia.
But we know how quickly things can change in international football, of course - just look at that first half.
HALF-TIME! Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:38
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Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:37
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Will Castle
That’s all she wrote for the first half.
Despite a dream Wales start, it’s Belgium who lead at the break.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:36
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Will Castle
45+3 mins: Wales are finishing this half strongly but are running out of time to find an equaliser before the break.
Courtois has the ball in his own box.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:33
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Will Castle
45+1 mins: THREE minutes added on in first-half stoppage time.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:33
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Will Castle
44 mins: SAVE! James goes for it from range and Courtois gets down well to save at full-stretch, with the rebound avoiding any onrushing red shirt.
Moments later, Wilson darts into the box and aims for the far corner, but drags his shot wide.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:30
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Will Castle
42 mins: A searching Courtois hoof leads to De Cuyper breaking in behind on the left.
He fires one across to De Ketelaere but the frontman can’t get the finishing touch.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:28
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Will Castle
40 mins: Heart-in-mouth moment for Wales, who fall to a counter attack from the long throw as Belgium shirts swarm forward.
The final delivery goes to Doku in the box but Wilson gets back to hook out for a corner.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:27
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Will Castle
39 mins: Wales beginning to find life again. Ampadu is about to launch another long throw in - that’s the second in about two minutes.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:25
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Will Castle
37 mins: Half-chance for Brooks as James spots the run well, but De Cuyper does enough to put him off the header.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:22
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Will Castle
34 mins: Cardiff is caught completely by surprise as Wilson gets onto the end of Thomas’ cross from out of nowhere, but he gets his first touch all wrong and the chance runs away from him.
Up the other end, De Bruyne has the ball pulled back from him but can uncharacteristically skies it.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:19
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Will Castle
31 mins: The noise level has significantly dropped inside the Cardiff City Stadium.
Only the Belgians can be heard singing at the moment. After that dream start, Wales have been stunned.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:18
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Will Castle
28 mins: CHANCE! Huge, huge block from Rodon, who gets in the way of what looked like a certain goal for Trossard after it was put on a plate by Doku.
Wales on the ropes at the moment.
Wales 1-2 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:16
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Will Castle
26 mins: CHANCE! Another let off for Wales.
De Bruyne’s free-kick delivery ricochets of Cabango’s back and falls to Theate, who wildly lashes from eight yards out to fire over.
That could have easily been three.
GOAL! Wales 1-2 Belgium (Meunier, 24')
Monday 13 October 2025 20:12
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Will Castle
Belgium have turned it around!
Doku doesn’t give up on chasing the long ball from Trossard, keeping it in before putting it across to Meunior, who blasts past Darlow into the top corner.
Cardiff has been stunned.
Wales 1-1 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:11
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Will Castle
22 mins: SAVE! Darlow stands tall after De Ketelaere is able to walk his way into the box.
Much more of an end-to-end contest now.
GOAL! Wales 1-1 Belgium (De Bruyne, 18')
Monday 13 October 2025 20:06
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Will Castle
De Bruyne steps up... and sends Darlow the wrong way!
A calm finish from the former Man City captain, and a let off for Belgium. They haven’t created much so far.
PENALTY! Wales 1-0 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:05
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Will Castle
17 mins: And he doesn’t have to contemplate for long. One replay and the referee points to the spot.
Wales 1-0 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:04
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Will Castle
17 mins: The referee has been directed to the monitor...
Wales 1-0 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:04
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Will Castle
15 mins: Belgium scream for a penalty as De Ketelaere gets into the box and dinks the ball onto the arm of Ampadu.
There is a penalty check going on. You can feel the tension.
Wales 1-0 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:02
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Will Castle
14 mins: Wilson goes in late and is cautioned with a yellow.
That means he’ll miss their next outing against Lichtenstein - a blow for Wales.
Wales 1-0 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 20:01
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Will Castle
12 mins: Belgium just beginning to enjoy some of the ball after a brilliant Wales start.
They’ve got their goal, now Bellamy’s boys need to protect their lead.
Wales 1-0 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 19:57
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Will Castle
Check over. Goal stands!
Wales 1-0 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 19:57
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Will Castle
Hold on - there’s a VAR check for offside.
GOAL! Wales 1-0 Belgium (Rodon, 8')
Monday 13 October 2025 19:56
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Will Castle
NOTHING SHORT OF WHAT THEY DESERVE!
Rodon rises for the corner, heads into the ground and past Courtois!
Is it happening again against Belgium?
Wales 0-0 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 19:55
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Will Castle
6 mins: CLOSE! Big shout for a penalty as Brooks heads into the box and goes down under pressure from De Cuyper.
The ball creeps agonisingly past the post anyway, and the referee gives a corner rather than a spot-kick.
Wales really on the front foot.
Wales 0-0 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 19:53
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Will Castle
5 mins: Another decent chance for Wales, that.
It’s a brilliant free-kick delivery by Thomas which is met by Cabango, but he can’t get it on target.
Wales 0-0 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 19:51
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Will Castle
3 mins: CLOSE! What a start from Wales!
Williams put it across for Harris who flicks towards goal, but it just deflects wide.
That’s the second time the hosts have threatened in the box in these opening couple of minutes.
KICK-OFF! Wales 0-0 Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 19:48
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Will Castle
WE ARE UNDERWAY! A huge night in Cardiff.
Kick-off next
Monday 13 October 2025 19:45
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Will Castle
The Welsh national anthem never fails to impress. Goosebumps.
Here come the teams!
Monday 13 October 2025 19:42
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Will Castle
It’s the biggest night of the Craig Bellamy era.
Three wins from three and Wales are at the World Cup.
Here come the anthems...
Atmosphere building
Monday 13 October 2025 19:40
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Will Castle
Cardiff is getting a light show to get in the mood.
Just a few minutes away from kick-off as the players line up in the tunnel.
Can Wales get back to winning ways?
Pre-match preparations in Cardiff
Monday 13 October 2025 19:38
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Will Castle
Wales vs Belgium prediction, betting tips and odds
Monday 13 October 2025 19:30
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Luke Baker
The top two teams on betting sites to win Group J meet in Cardiff this evening as Wales host Belgium in what’s likely to be a decisive game in the race for automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Check out our prediction and best bets for the clash:
Craig Bellamy sure ‘special moment’ always waiting as Wales prepare for Belgium
Monday 13 October 2025 19:17
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Luke Baker
Craig Bellamy is convinced that a “special moment” is always waiting and Wales hope to turn that into reality in tonight’s crunch World Cup qualifier against Belgium.
The sombre mood that followed Thursday’s comprehensive 3-0 Wembley defeat to England had the perfect pick-me-up 24 hours later, as group favourites Belgium were held to a 0-0 draw at home by North Macedonia.
That result placed Wales’ World Cup destiny in their own hands as far as automatic qualification is concerned.
Win their three remaining fixtures – Belgium and the November double-header away to Liechtenstein and North Macedonia – and Wales will top Group J and secure automatic qualification for the 2026 finals, thereby avoiding the lottery of the play-offs.
“It’s everything,” said Bellamy. “I’m quite positive. Do you want to go to America? So do I. Give everything we’ve got to get there.
“It (the response to Wembley) has given me the feeling this team can go a lot further. That leaves you excited. I believe there’s always a special moment coming.”
Wales v Belgium talking points: Dangerman Doku
Monday 13 October 2025 19:05
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Luke Baker
Kevin De Bruyne has often been the difference in what has become a familiar Belgium v Wales contest over the last decade or so.
But it is a current Manchester City player, Jeremy Doku, who Wales might have to watch more closely this time.
Bellamy knows all about Doku given their time working together at Anderlecht. But Wales were unable to contain Doku in Brussels four months ago, and the tricky winger has started the season in electric form at the Etihad Stadium.
Wales v Belgium talking points: Brennan Johnson needs to deliver
Monday 13 October 2025 18:52
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Luke Baker
Will the real Brennan Johnson stand up for Wales? Johnson scored 18 goals for Tottenham last season and his Europa League final winner went into Spurs folklore.
But Wales fans have often grumbled about Johnson’s performances on the international stage, insisting the winger should be having more of an impact.
Johnson has not started for Spurs in the Premier League since the end of August and was lethargic at Wembley, being completely outplayed by Tottenham teammate Djed Spence.
Confirmed team news
Monday 13 October 2025 18:39
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Will Castle
Wales XI:
