Rabat – Wales hosts Belgium in a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier in Cardiff. Wales sit in a tight race in Group J with 10 points – behind Belgium and North Macedonia – and need a win to stay in the race.
Belgium, currently undefeated in the group with 11 points, aims to stay in control and keep pressure on the leader.
Match Details
Fixture: Wales vs Belgium
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers (UEFA), Group J
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
Date: Monday, October 13, 2025
Kick-off: 19:45 pm(GMT+1)
How to Watch: BeIN Sports 3 MENA, BBC (UK), RTBF/VRT (Belgium), UEFA media partners
Wales Team News
Wales come into this match off a heavy 3–0 friendly loss to England. Manager Craig Bellamy has urged the squad to move on and focus on their qualification hopes, calling this match a chance for a “special moment.”
Captain Ben Davies is expected to earn his 100th cap. The Welsh defense should remain the same with Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Neco Williams, and Jay Dasilva.
Midfield will include Ethan Ampadu and Liam Cullen, while attackers Brennan Johnson, Harry Wilson, and David Brooks will support Kieffer Moore up front.
Belgium Team News
Belgium are under pressure to respond after a 0–0 draw with North Macedonia in their last qualifier.
New coach Rudi Garcia has stressed that a win is crucial, though he admitted a draw wouldn’t be disastrous.
Key players include Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, who scored against Wales earlier this year.What to Expect
This game should be tight and competitive. Wales, playing at home, will push hard, especially with the crowd behind them. They’ll likely try to stay compact defensively and attack via Johnson or Wilson.
Belgium will control possession, look to stretch Wales, and exploit spaces using De Bruyne’s passes and Doku’s speed.
Historically, Belgium has had the edge over Wales, and last June, they won 4–3 in a thrilling match, with De Bruyne scoring late.
Safe Calls
- Both Teams to Score: YES — Wales usually manages to score at home, and Belgium has the firepower to score.
- Over 2.5 Goals: YES — recent head-to-heads have been high scoring and attacking talent is on both sides.
- De Bruyne or Doku to score/assist: YES — key attackers for Belgium likely to have an impact.
- Belgium to Win or Draw: YES — Belgium remains favorites, but Wales can push them.
Prediction: Belgium 2-1 Wales
