Match Preview for Wales v Belgium
Group J’s qualification race is heating up, and Monday’s showdown at the Cardiff City Stadium could be pivotal.
Third-placed Wales welcome second-placed Belgium in their penultimate home game of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Just two points separate the top three sides – North Macedonia (12 pts), Belgium (11 pts), and Wales (10 pts) – with all three still in contention for automatic qualification.
Both Wales and Belgium also have a game in hand on the group leaders, adding further significance to this clash in Cardiff.
The Dragons come into the fixture looking to bounce back from a tough 3-0 defeat to England on Thursday, a game that was effectively decided within the opening 20 minutes.
Still, Wales’ home form remains a major positive. They have not lost a competitive match in Cardiff inside 90 minutes since June 2023, winning six and drawing three in that stretch, including four consecutive home victories where they scored 11 goals in total.
As for Belgium, Rudi Garcia’s side were left frustrated in a goalless draw with North Macedonia on Friday despite dominating the contest – recording over three expected goals and firing 20 shots from inside the box. It was the first time in seven matches that the Red Devils had failed to score.
Their 4-3 win over Wales in the reverse fixture back in June was a reminder of their attacking power, though it required a late strike from Kevin De Bruyne to secure all three points after surrendering a 3-0 advantage.
Team news for Wales v Belgium
Wales boss Craig Bellamy is expected to keep faith with most of the side that started against England. Karl Darlow will continue in goal, protected by a back four of Neco Williams, Joe Rodon, Ben Davies, and Jay Dasilva.
Ethan Ampadu remains a key figure in midfield, likely partnering Liam Cullen at the base. David Brooks and Harry Wilson are set to feature in advanced roles, supporting striker Kieffer Moore, while Brennan Johnson will be tasked with providing pace and creativity from the left flank.
For Belgium, Zeno Debast is expected to start in central defence alongside Arthur Theate, with both impressing under Garcia’s system. In midfield, Nicolas Raskin and Amadou Onana are set to provide balance and energy, freeing Kevin De Bruyne to operate further forward.
After being benched last time out, Lois Openda could be recalled to lead the line following Belgium’s profligacy against North Macedonia. Jeremy Doku and Alexis Saelemaekers should occupy the wide positions.
Expected line-ups for Wales v Belgium
Wales: Darlow; Williams, Rodon, Davies, Dasilva; Ampadu, Cullen; Brooks, Wilson, Johnson; Moore
Belgium: Courtois; Castagne, Debast, Theate, De Cuyper; Raskin, Onana; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Doku; Openda
How to watch Wales v Belgium: TV channel, online stream
Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC Sport and iPlayer. It will kick-off at 19:45 BST on Monday evening.
The stats for Wales v Belgium
- Belgium won the reverse fixture 4–3, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring a late winner
- Wales are unbeaten in nine straight competitive home games (W6, D3)
- The Dragons have scored 11 goals in their last four matches at the Cardiff City Stadium
- Wales have conceded seven first-half goals in their previous four fixtures
- Belgium have failed to win any of their last nine away matches against UEFA top-20 ranked teams
- The Red Devils have scored 17 goals across their last six competitive outings
- Wales have suffered three defeats in their last four games under Bellamy
- Belgium are unbeaten in six matches under Rudi Garcia (W4, D2)
- The last three meetings between the sides have produced 13 total goals
- A win for either team could send them top of Group J, depending on North Macedonia’s result
Prediction
Despite their patchy away form, Belgium possess too much attacking quality to ignore. Wales’ home record and fighting spirit should make this competitive. Expect a close, hard-fought game with Belgium just edging it.
Prediction: Wales 1-2 Belgium
