Presentation of the Wales vs. Belgium match
The qualifying race is heating up in Group 10, and Monday’s encounter at Cardiff City could be decisive.
Third-placed Wales will host second-placed Belgium in its penultimate home match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Only two points separate the top three teams – North Macedonia (12 points), Belgium (11 points), and Wales (10 points) – and all three are still in contention for direct qualification.
Wales and Belgium also have a game in hand over the group leaders, adding extra importance to this encounter in Cardiff.
The Dragons go into the game looking to bounce back from a brutal 3-0 defeat to England on Thursday, a game that was effectively decided within the first 20 minutes.
However, Wales’ home form remains very positive. They have not lost a competitive match in Cardiff within 90 minutes since June 2023, winning six and drawing three, including four successive home victories in which they have scored 11 goals in total.
As for Belgium, Rudi Garcia’s side were left frustrated after their goalless draw with North Macedonia on Friday despite dominating the match – scoring more than three expected goals and firing 20 shots from inside the penalty area. This was the first time in seven matches that the Red Devils failed to score.
Their 4-3 win over Wales in the reverse fixture in June was a reminder of their attacking prowess, although it took a late strike from Kevin De Bruyne to secure all three points after surrendering a 3-0 lead.
Team news for the Wales vs. Belgium match
Wales coach Craig Bellamy is expected to keep faith with most of the squad that started against England. Karl Darlow will continue in goal, protected by a back four in Neco Williams, Joe Rodon, Ben Davies and Jay Dasilva.
Ethan Ampadu remains a key figure in midfield, potentially partnering Liam Cullen at the base. David Brooks and Harry Wilson are set to play in advanced roles, supporting striker Kiefer Moore, while Brennan Johnson will be tasked with providing pace and creativity from the left flank.
For Belgium, Zino Debast is expected to start at centre-back alongside Arthur Thiat, both of whom have impressed under Garcia’s regime. In midfield, Nicolas Raskin and Amadou Onana are set to provide balance and energy, allowing Kevin De Bruyne to operate more in attack.
After being dropped on the bench last time out, Luis Opinda could be called upon to lead the line after Belgium’s profligacy against North Macedonia. Jeremy Doku and Alexis Saelmakers should fill the wide positions.
The expected lineup for the Wales vs. Belgium match
Wales: Darlow; Williams, Rodon, Davies, DaSilva; Ampadu, Colin; Brooks, Wilson, Johnson; Moore
Belgium: Courtois; Chestnut, debast, thiat, de cuyper; Ruskin, Onana; Sailmakers, De Bruyne, Doku; OPENDA
How to watch Wales vs Belgium: TV channel, stream online
Fans in the UK can watch the match live on BBC Sport and iPlayer. It will start at 19:45 GMT on Monday evening.
Statistics for the Wales-Belgium match
- Belgium won the reverse fixture 4–3, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring a late winner
- Wales are unbeaten in nine consecutive competitive home matches (won 6, drawn 3)
- The Dragons have scored 11 goals in their last four matches at Cardiff City
- Wales conceded seven goals in the first half in their previous four matches
- Belgium have failed to win any of their last nine away matches against the top 20 teams in the UEFA rankings.
- The Red Devils have scored 17 goals in their last six official matches
- Wales have suffered three defeats in their last four matches under Bellamy
- Belgium is unbeaten in six matches under Rudi Garcia (W4, D2)
- The last three meetings between the two sides have resulted in 13 goals
- A win for either team could put them at the top of Group 10, depending on the result of North Macedonia
prediction
Despite their modest level away from home, Belgium possesses a lot of attacking capabilities that cannot be ignored. Wales’ home record and fighting spirit should make this a competitive fixture. Expect a close and difficult match with Belgium prevailing.
Prediction: Wales 1-2 Belgium
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