Wales will host Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium on Monday night in what could be the final Group J match. Both teams are fighting to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The standings are razor-thin — Wales sit third with 10 points, while Belgium occupy second with 11, and North Macedonia lead the group on 12. With just three games left and only two automatic qualification spots up for grabs, neither side can afford a slip-up. Crucially, both teams have played one game fewer than the current leaders, adding extra weight to Monday’s encounter.
Wales Look to Bounce Back After England Setback
Craig Bellamy’s men come into the match reeling from a 3-0 defeat to England, a result that halted any momentum they had built in recent fixtures. The Dragons were undone early, conceding all three goals within the opening 20 minutes — a worrying trend, as they’ve now shipped seven first-half goals across their last four matches.
Still, there’s plenty of encouragement for Welsh fans. With six victories and three draws in that time frame, the team hasn’t lost a competitive home game within 90 minutes since June 2023. Cardiff has become a fortress of sorts, with Wales scoring 11 goals in their last four competitive outings there.
Bellamy will hope that home advantage and a passionate crowd can inspire a response, especially with a trip to North Macedonia looming in November that could determine their qualification fate.
Belgium Aiming to Regain Their Cutting Edge
For Belgium, a goalless draw against North Macedonia last time out felt like a missed opportunity. Rudi Garcia’s side dominated, producing over three expected goals (xG) and firing 20 shots inside the box, yet they failed to convert. It was the first time in seven matches that the Red Devils failed to score.
Despite that frustration, Belgium remain unbeaten in six and still control their own destiny. A defeat in Cardiff wouldn’t be catastrophic, but it would leave little margin for error in their final two games.
The reverse fixture in June ended in a thrilling 4-3 win for Belgium, sealed by a late Kevin De Bruyne strike after Wales had mounted a spirited comeback. Garcia will expect his team to show more composure this time, especially away from home, where Belgium have won just once in their last 10 competitive matches.
Team News
For Wales, Karl Darlow is expected to start in goal behind a back four of Neco Williams, Joe Rodon, Ben Davies, and Jay Dasilva. Ethan Ampadu and Liam Cullen will anchor midfield, with David Brooks, Harry Wilson, and Brennan Johnson supporting Kieffer Moore up front.
Belgium could recall Lois Openda to lead the line after their wastefulness against North Macedonia. De Bruyne will take his usual creative role behind him, shielded by Amadou Onana and Nicolas Raskin. Thibaut Courtois should start in goal, with Zeno Debast, Arthur Theate, and Timothy Castagne forming the defensive unit.
Prediction
While Belgium boast more star power, Wales’ resilience at home makes this far from straightforward. The visitors’ poor away record and the hosts’ fighting spirit could make for a tense, tightly contested encounter. Expect goals — and possibly a share of the spoils.
Predicted Score: Wales 2-2 Belgium
