In a match that truly encapsulated the phrase “seven-goal thriller,” Kevin De Bruyne delivered a dramatic late winner as Belgium overcame a valiant Wales side 4-3 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier. The pulsating encounter at the King Baudouin Stadium saw the Red Devils squander a commanding three-goal lead before their captain stepped up to secure a vital victory and kickstart their qualification campaign.
This high-octane clash was a stark reminder of Belgium’s attacking prowess but also highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that will need addressing as they push for a place in the expanded 2026 World Cup.
Early Dominance, Dramatic Comeback
Belgium, under the guidance of manager Rudi Garcia, started the match with an explosive intensity that quickly dismantled the Welsh defense.
- 15′ – Romelu Lukaku (Penalty): The scoring began with a penalty awarded after a handball in the box. Lukaku calmly converted, netting his 89th international goal and giving Belgium the early lead.
- 19′ – Youri Tielemans: Just four minutes later, Youri Tielemans doubled Belgium’s advantage with a superb strike. A beautifully worked team move saw Maxime De Cuyper deliver a low cross, which Tielemans expertly guided into the top corner, leaving the Welsh goalkeeper with no chance.
- 27′ – Jérémy Doku: The home crowd was in raptures as Jeremy Doku added a third goal. A dazzling solo run from the winger saw him weave past multiple defenders before finishing clinically, putting Belgium 3-0 up inside half an hour and seemingly putting the game beyond doubt.
However, Craig Bellamy’s Wales had other ideas. Showing incredible resilience and fighting spirit, they began their improbable comeback just before the break.
- 45+7′ – Harry Wilson (Penalty): A controversial penalty decision saw Matz Sels penalized for a challenge in the box. Harry Wilson stepped up and slotted home, giving Wales a lifeline just before halftime and changing the complexion of the match.
The second half saw Wales emerge with renewed vigor, stunning the Red Devils with two quick goals to complete their comeback.
- 51′ – Sorba Thomas: Just six minutes into the second period, Wales further reduced the deficit. A brilliant combination between Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson on the right wing saw Wilson pick out Sorba Thomas, who calmly side-footed the ball past Sels to make it 3-2.
- 69′ – Brennan Johnson: The comeback was complete when Brennan Johnson headed home an equalizer. A cross from Sorba Thomas found Johnson unmarked, and he nodded in to level the scores at 3-3, sending the travelling Welsh fans into delirium and silencing the home crowd.
De Bruyne’s Late Heroics and VAR Drama
With the game hanging in the balance, both teams pushed for a winner. Romelu Lukaku thought he had secured a second goal for Belgium with ten minutes remaining, but his strike was controversially ruled out by VAR for the ball being out of play in the build-up, following a lengthy review.
However, the Red Devils were not to be denied. In the 88th minute, Kevin De Bruyne stepped up to deliver the decisive blow. After a perfect cross from Youri Tielemans, the unmarked De Bruyne connected with a volley at the back post, steering the ball into the net to make it 4-3 and snatch a dramatic victory for Belgium. It was a moment of pure class from the midfield maestro, who, despite no longer being at Manchester City, continues to be Belgium’s most influential player.
Group J Standings and the Road Ahead
This result was crucial for Belgium, giving them their first win in Group J after a surprising 1-1 draw against North Macedonia in their opening qualifier. While they sit third in the group with 4 points from 2 games, they have two games in hand on both North Macedonia (8 points from 4 games) and Wales (7 points from 4 games). Only the group winner automatically qualifies for the World Cup, with the second-placed team advancing to the play-offs.
UEFA World Cup Qualifying Group J Standings (as of June 10, 2025):
Head-to-Head: Belgium vs. Wales (Recent Competitive Matches)
- June 9, 2025 (WCQ): Belgium 4-3 Wales
- March 25, 2025 (WCQ): North Macedonia 1-1 Belgium (first WCQ match for Belgium)
- Previous meetings have seen mixed results, with Wales famously eliminating Belgium at Euro 2016, but Belgium often having the upper hand in qualifiers.
The dramatic victory will undoubtedly inject confidence into the Belgian camp, but the defensive frailties exposed by Wales will be a cause for concern. Nevertheless, with their wealth of talent and the brilliance of Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium remains a strong contender to secure a direct qualification spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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