Kevin De Bruyne saved Belgium from embarrassment after they lost a 3-0 lead but still managed to beat Wales 4-3. This win gave the Red Devils a strong start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on Monday.
Kevin De Bruyne saved Belgium from embarrassment after they lost a 3-0 lead but still managed to beat Wales 4-3. The match was part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Monday. Belgium had a brilliant start, with quick goals from Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans, and Jeremy Doku in the first 30 minutes. However, Wales made a strong comeback. Harry Wilson scored from the penalty spot, followed by goals from Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson, shocking the eighth-ranked team in the world. Just when it seemed like the game would end in a draw, De Bruyne stepped up once again. In the 88th minute, he scored from a perfect cross by Tielemans to secure the win for Belgium.
Craig Bellamy faced his first defeat as Wales manager, just one game short of a national record of 10 unbeaten matches.
Still, there are many positives for Wales as they continue their journey to qualify for next year’s World Cup. They are currently second in Group J, one point behind North Macedonia and three ahead of Belgium, although Belgium has two games in hand.
Only the top team will qualify directly, while the second-placed team will get a chance through the play-offs.
After drawing 1-1 with North Macedonia in their opening game, Belgium’s coach Rudi Garcia brought back three Premier League players—Leandro Trossard, Amadou Onana, and Youri Tielemans. Their return made a big difference.
Belgium’s first goal came when Kevin De Bruyne’s shot hit Johnson’s arm in the box, leading to a penalty. Romelu Lukaku converted it for his 89th international goal. Soon after, Tielemans finished a great team move by turning in a low cross from Maxime De Cuyper to make it 2-0.
Jeremy Doku added a third with a stunning solo goal, making things look very tough for Wales.
Just before halftime, though, Harry Wilson gave Wales hope. He scored a penalty after a questionable decision against Belgian keeper Matz Sels for colliding with Chris Mepham.
Six minutes into the second half, Wilson set up Jordan James, who calmly scored to make it 3-2. Then, Johnson’s header brought Wales level at 3-3 with 21 minutes left.
Wales couldn’t keep Belgium out for long. Lukaku thought he had scored again, but the goal was cancelled after a long VAR check showed the ball had gone out of play earlier.
That didn’t stop Belgium. Just moments later, Tielemans crossed the ball perfectly to De Bruyne, who was unmarked and scored with a smart volley at the back post, giving Belgium a thrilling 4-3 win.
