Craig Bellamy cited Nostradamus in the buildup, advising to expect the unexpected given the 4-3 thriller that unfolded the last time these nations met. But while Wales gave Belgium an early fright, two Kevin De Bruyne penalties and a Thomas Meunier strike paved the way to a comeback victory that all but quashes their hopes of automatically qualifying for the World Cup.
Nathan Broadhead, on as a substitute, pulled a goal back but almost immediately Leandro Trossard struck to cap a victory this time featuring just the six goals. Joe Rodon headed in to give Wales a welcome leg up but Belgium stirred to maintain their pristine qualifying record; their last defeat in a qualifier here in June 2015, when Gareth Bale scored to propel Wales towards Euro 2016. Wales will likely have to do it the hard way if they are to reach North America next summer.
Written by Ben Fisher at Cardiff City Stadium
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/oct/13/wales-belgium-world-cup-2026-qualifiers-match-report under the title “De Bruyne double in Belgium win deals huge blow to Wales’ World Cup hopes”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
