A Spectacle Worthy of Europe’s Elite Teams
In a thrilling showdown at the King Baudouin Stadium, in Brussels, Belgium defeated Wales 4–3 in the fourth round of Group J of the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The Belgian team, led by Kevin De Bruyne, took a commanding 3–0 lead, only to allow the Welsh side to draw level before clinching the win with a stunning late goal in the 88th minute. The performance ended Craig Bellamy’s undefeated run as Wales’ manager and marked a strong comeback for the Red Devils in the competition.
⚽ First Half: Total Belgian Domination and a Late Welsh Scare
Belgium Sets the Tone Early
The match began with Belgium pressing high and creating opportunities from the opening minutes. In the 11th minute, after a shot by De Bruyne struck Brennan Johnson’s arm inside the box, VAR was consulted and confirmed the penalty. Romelu Lukaku calmly sent Karl Darlow the wrong way to open the scoring: 1–0 Belgium.
Just four minutes later (15′), the Belgian pressure paid off again. After a brilliant run from Kevin De Bruyne, who drew defenders and created space on the right, he laid the ball off to Maxim De Cuyper, who crossed perfectly for Youri Tielemans to smash it in first-time: 2–0 Belgium.
Doku Shines and Extends the Lead
The third goal came in the 27th minute, as Jérémy Doku dribbled in from the right, cut inside, and struck with his left foot. Darlow got a hand to it, but couldn’t keep it out: 3–0 Belgium, a devastating start.
Wales Strikes Back Before Halftime
Despite Belgian dominance, Wales found a way back. In stoppage time (45+4′), after a corner kick, Belgian keeper Matz Sels collided with Chris Mepham. VAR confirmed the penalty, and Harry Wilson converted it with confidence: 3–1, sending Wales into the dressing room with renewed hope.
🔁 Second Half: Wales Chases the Impossible, But De Bruyne Saves the Day
Fast-Paced Start to the Second Half
The second half began with Dodi Lukebakio squandering a golden chance after a beautiful through ball from De Bruyne, firing high over the bar. That miss would prove costly.
In the 51st minute, Wales struck again. A quick passing move between Wilson and Johnson down the right ended with a low cross that found Sorba Thomas, who finished low and hard into the far corner: 3–2, game on.
Wales Equalizes and Stuns Brussels
In the 69th minute, the unthinkable happened. Wilson took a corner to the far post, Thomas headed it back across goal, and Brennan Johnson, who had conceded the earlier penalty, made amends with a well-placed header: 3–3.
Disallowed Goal, Then De Bruyne’s Moment
At 81′, Lukaku thought he had restored the lead after a cross from Tielemans, but VAR ruled the ball had gone out of play before the assist.
Then, in the 88th minute, redemption. Kevin De Bruyne, positioned on the left, met a precise cross from Tielemans and fired first-time with his left foot into the net: 4–3 Belgium, sealing a dramatic win.
📊 Group J Table Impact: Belgium Rises, Wales Takes a Blow
- With this victory, Belgium now has 4 points from two matches, climbing to third place in Group J, behind North Macedonia (8 pts) and Wales (7 pts from 4 matches).
- The defeat ends Craig Bellamy’s unbeaten streak with Wales and complicates their battle for the top.
- The result brings the Red Devils firmly back into contention, especially with two games in hand over the leaders.
🔍 Tactical Analysis: Welsh Resilience Meets Belgian Brilliance
Belgium: Offensive Creativity, Defensive Lapses
Rudi Garcia opted for a fluid 4-3-3 with:
- Key changes including De Cuyper at left back and Doku as the right winger.
- De Bruyne had total freedom to roam and create from central and wide areas.
- The defense, however, showed vulnerabilities in the air and struggled with transitions, allowing Wales to capitalize.
Wales: Tactical Adaptation and Fierce Comeback
Wales started in a deep 4-2-3-1, absorbing pressure in the first half-hour. After halftime, Bellamy’s substitutions shifted the momentum:
- Thomas, Johnson, and Wilson formed a mobile, dangerous attacking trio.
- The inclusion of Jordan James stabilized the midfield.
- Set-pieces and quick transitions were used effectively to claw back into the game despite the early deficit.
🏅 Man of the Match: Kevin De Bruyne – The Brain and Hero of Belgium
De Bruyne was the man of the match according to the official UEFA site and Flashscore. Beyond scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute, he orchestrated Belgium’s offense, demonstrated leadership, and prevented a total collapse after the team conceded a three-goal lead.
🗓️ Upcoming Matches: Key Tests Ahead in Group J
Belgium
- Next Opponent: Kazakhstan
- Scheduled Date: September 2025
Wales
- Next Opponent: Liechtenstein
- Scheduled Date: September 2025
🧠 A Classic with Lasting Implications
The 4–3 win by Belgium over Wales will go down as one of the most thrilling matches in the 2026 European World Cup Qualifiers. With comebacks, disallowed goals, and individual brilliance, it showcased the emotional and technical levels of both national teams.
Kevin De Bruyne once again confirmed his status as the symbol of Belgium’s golden generation, while Wales, despite the loss, showed they have the heart and quality to fight for a second consecutive World Cup appearance.
