- Date: Monday, 9 June 2025
- Venue: King Baudouin Stadium (Stade Roi Baudouin), Brussels
- Fixture: Belgium vs Wales – 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, UEFA Group J
Match Preview
Belgium and Wales renew their compelling rivalry on Monday night in Brussels, with both sides eyeing crucial points in the race for World Cup qualification. Belgium, the top seeds in Group J and ranked eighth in the world, are under pressure to secure their first win after a frustrating 1-1 draw away to North Macedonia in their opening qualifier. Despite dominating possession and creating 17 chances, the Red Devils’ lack of cutting edge in front of goal was exposed, and questions remain about their ability to convert opportunities into results.
Wales, meanwhile, arrive in buoyant mood at the summit of Group J, having collected seven points from three matches. Craig Bellamy’s side dispatched Liechtenstein 3-0 on Friday, following a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia and an impressive 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan. Bellamy, unbeaten in his first nine games as Wales manager, has instilled belief and attacking intent, vowing not to “sit back” even against formidable opposition in Brussels. The Dragons’ resilience and clinical edge have made them early group leaders, with their defense conceding just twice in three matches.
Injuries, however, cast a shadow over both camps. Belgium are without Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, meaning Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels is set to continue in goal. There are also decisions to be made in midfield, where Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans are pushing for starts after substitute appearances last time out. Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard could return to the starting lineup, while Kevin De Bruyne’s minutes are being managed carefully due to recent fitness concerns. For Wales, Neco Williams is sidelined after picking up an injury against Liechtenstein, and Daniel James remains absent through illness. Cardiff City’s Dylan Lawlor has been called up as defensive cover, though he is unlikely to feature.
The historical context adds extra spice to the encounter. Belgium have not lost a home qualifier to Wales in eight previous attempts, but the Welsh have often been a thorn in their side—most famously in the 2016 European Championship quarter-final. Recent meetings have been tight, with Belgium winning two and drawing two of the last four, but Wales’ spirited displays have made them a “bogey team” for the Red Devils. Belgium’s recent home form is patchy, with two defeats in their last three competitive games in Brussels, matching the number of losses from their previous 43 home fixtures.
Key Players
- Belgium:
- Kevin De Bruyne – The Manchester City playmaker remains Belgium’s creative heartbeat, dictating tempo and unlocking defenses with his vision and passing.
- Romelu Lukaku – The Napoli striker is always a threat in front of goal and remains the bookmakers’ favorite to score first.
- Jérémy Doku – The Manchester City winger’s pace and dribbling can stretch any defense, and he will look to exploit spaces out wide.
- Wales:
- Kieffer Moore – The powerful striker provides a focal point for Welsh attacks, especially on set pieces and counters.
- Harry Wilson – In fine form, Wilson’s creativity and eye for goal make him a key outlet, and he’s a popular pick in shots on target markets.
- Ben Davies – The experienced defender anchors a Welsh backline that has conceded just twice in three qualifiers.
Prediction
Belgium are clear favorites with home advantage and superior squad depth, but their recent lack of ruthlessness and Wales’ robust form under Bellamy suggest a close contest. Expect Belgium to dominate possession and create chances, but Wales’ disciplined defense and threat on the break could frustrate the hosts. A narrow Belgium win is the likeliest outcome, but a draw is far from out of the question given Wales’ resilience and the Red Devils’ recent struggles to kill off games.
Predicted Score: Belgium 2-1 Wales
Betting Markets & Odds
| Market | Selection | Odds (Fractional) | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Result | Belgium | 4/9 | Bet Now |
| Full-Time Result | Draw | 4/1 | Bet Now |
| Full-Time Result | Wales | 15/2 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams To Score | Yes | 11/10 | Bet Now |
| Correct Score | Belgium 2-1 | 15/2 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | Yes | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| First Goalscorer | Romelu Lukaku | 11/4 | Bet Now |
| Anytime Goalscorer | Kieffer Moore | 11/2 | Bet Now |
| Asian Handicap | Wales +1.5 | 5/6 | Bet Now |
| Total Corners Over 9.5 | Yes | 11/10 | Bet Now |
Odds are indicative and may fluctuate. Please check the linked site for the latest prices.
This fixture promises high drama in Brussels, with Belgium eager to reassert themselves and Wales aiming to extend their unbeaten run. With attacking talent on both sides and a rich recent history between these teams, expect a fiercely contested encounter with plenty of betting opportunities.
