Wales’ hopes of automatic World Cup qualification were dealt a blow as Kevin De Bruyne converted two penalties in Belgium’s 4-2 win in Cardiff.
On a crazy night, when second-half Wales substitute Brennan Johnson had to shoo a rat off the pitch, Belgium recovered from an early deficit to take control of Group J.
Joe Rodon gave Wales the perfect start after seven minutes as the Leeds defender rose unchecked to score for the second successive qualifier at Cardiff City Stadium.
But Belgium were ahead midway through the first half as De Bruyne punished Ethan Ampadu’s handball and Thomas Meunier swept home from a devastating counter-attack.
De Bruyne dispatched a second penalty after 76 minutes following another – and more obvious – handball offence before substitute Nathan Broadhead gave Wales hope.
But Leandro Trossard instantly restored the two-goal cushion to seal matters.
Wales now trail Belgium by four points and are seemingly locked in a battle with North Macedonia – who were held 1-1 at home by Kazakhstan – for second spot. The play-offs in March surely await Craig Bellamy’s side.
This was the latest instalment of a familiar fixture with the two nations meeting for the 11th time since 2012.
3 points sealed. ✅ #WALBEL pic.twitter.com/dXnHsdalF2
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) October 13, 2025
Wales had recorded famous victories in Euro 2016 qualifying and in the quarter-final of the tournament itself.
But Belgium had not tasted defeat in the last five meetings, and De Bruyne’s late winner saw them shade a seven-goal thriller in Brussels four months ago.
Johnson and Kieffer Moore were eye-catching omissions as Mark Harris and Sorba Thomas returned to the front line following their 3-0 Wembley defeat to England.
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