Belgium Strengthens World Cup Qualification Hopes with Win in Cardiff

CARDIFF: With Kevin De Bruyne converting two penalty kicks, Belgium enhanced their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a significant 4–2 victory against Wales at Cardiff City Stadium on Monday night.

Wales began energetically, taking an early advantage in the eighth minute when Joe Rodon scored with a header from a corner kick. However, Belgium quickly countered after a VAR review resulted in a penalty for a handball by Ethan Ampadu. De Bruyne coolly converted, sending goalkeeper Karl Darlow the wrong way to equalize.

The visitors then seized control, taking the lead just six minutes later through an impressive team effort. Jeremy Doku surged down the right flank, outpacing Thomas Meunier, before delivering a precise low cross that Meunier expertly finished from close range, making the score 2-1.

Seeking to shift the game’s dynamic, Wales’s coach, Craig Bellamy, introduced Brennan Johnson in the 58th minute, anticipating the Tottenham winger would inject dynamism into the attack.

However, Belgium maintained dominance, with De Bruyne converting a second penalty in the 76th minute.

In the 89th minute, Wales mounted a late surge when Nathan Broadhead scored from the edge of the penalty area after Kieffer Moore dispossessed Trossard.

Any aspirations of a comeback were swiftly extinguished as Trossard redeemed himself, scoring from Timothy Castagne’s cross to confirm a 4-2 triumph.

The outcome propels Belgium closer to guaranteeing their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Wales now confronts a challenging path to remain competitive in their qualification campaign.