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    Belgium vs. Cymru | 2026 FIFA World Cup – European Qualifiers – Group J

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        Live ReportMatch Summary

        3. Following a wonderful performance and after scoring his first goal for Cymru, Sorba Thomas was voted the EE Player of the Match.

        6. Thomas reflects after first Cymru goal

          Sorba Thomas scored his first Cymru goal against Belgium in Brussels and spoke to BBC Sport Wales after the match. “For us to go 3-0 down, I felt like we made a lot of mistakes that gave them goals,” Thomas explained.

          “I don’t think they showed us the respect we deserved, I think when they went 3-0 up they thought the game was done, but we showed our Welsh fire.

          “The gaffer’s been saying in interviews, we’re a close group, we fight for each other, we play for each other, we’d run through brick walls for each other. The second half showed what we’re about.

          “Even though we lost the game, I feel like we won it in our own heads. Against countries like this you’ll be punished. I can’t wait to play these when we get back to Cardiff.”

        7. Match Summary:
          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy experienced defeat for the first time in his ten games in charge on a memorable night in Brussels as Belgium edged a seven goal thriller. There have been a number of famous fixtures between these two nations in the past, and this was another one to add to the collection.

          Bellamy made three changes to his starting line-up from the 3-0 win over Liechtenstein as Chris Mepham, David Brooks and Jordan James replaced Liam Cullen, Kieffer Moore and the injured Neco Williams. Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia also made a number of changes following their 1-1 draw with North Macedonia last week.

          The evening began with the news that North Macedonia had moved to the top of Group J with a 1-0 win away to Kazakhstan. Bellamy said before the match that his side would play with a positive approach and Cymru showed their attacking intentions early on. However, the counter-attacking quality of Belgium soon dictated the direction of the game.

          On 12 minutes, referee Irfan Peljto adjudged that Brennan Johnson had handled in the area when a shot from Kevin De Bruyne deflected off him from close-range. A lengthy VAR check confirmed the fine margins of the decision, but the penalty was awarded and Romelu Lukaku made no mistake from the spot. Within minutes, it was 2-0 to Belgium as captain Youri Tielemans rounded-off a superb team move with a fine finish.

          The excellent Jérémy Doku was highlighted by Bellamy as a danger for Belgium and he added a third with a brilliant individual goal as he twisted and turned into space inside the Cymru area before firing past goalkeeper Karl Darlow on 27 minutes. David Brooks and Ben Davies both had chances for Cymru shortly after, but Matz Sels in the Belgian goal was equal to their efforts.

          There was a twist in added-time as the referee awarded Cymru a penalty when Sels was adjudged to have fouled Chris Mepham in the area. Harry Wilson converted from the spot to give the visitors a glimmer of hope as Bellamy prepared for the most important half-time team-talk of his ten game tenure. Whatever he said, worked.

          Incredibly, Belgium squandered two opportunities after the restart, but Sorba Thomas scored his first international goal on 51 minutes when he capitalised on a superb cross-field ball from Wilson. Joe Rodon put his body on the line at the other end, but Belgium began to waver, and Cymru were lifted when substitute Mark Harris narrowly headed wide midway through the 2nd half.

          On 69 minutes, Cymru were level. Brennan Johnson’s pace had caused problems for Belgium all night and he headed in Cymru’s third goal to send the visiting fans wild. There was plenty more drama to come 10 minutes later when Lukaku thought he had scored his second of the night for Belgium, but a lengthy VAR check confirmed the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.

          There would be one final twist on 88 minutes when De Bruyne found himself in space at the far-post and their talisman scored the winner for Belgium. It was a devastating blow for Cymru, but a comeback that showed the character and commitment that will serve this team well for the remainder of the qualifying campaign.

        9. Full-time Summary: Heartbreak for Cymru after an incredible turnaround. Three goals down, but the character of this side once again delivered as goals from Harry Wilson, Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson defied the odds and levelled matters for Craig Bellamy’s side.

          Both teams continued to push for the winner, and Belgium though they had scored with 10 minutes remaining only for Romelu Lukaku’s goal to be ruled out by VAR as the ball had gone out of play in the build-up. However, there would be another twist on 88 minutes when Kevin De Bruyne found himself in space at the far post and made no mistake from close-range to make it 4-3 and earn his side maximum points.

          Despite the defeat, Cymru have again shown they can go head-to-head with the very best, and there are still plenty of points yet to play for in this qualifying campaign.

        10. 90' + 4'

          Substitution

          MATONDO Rabbi replaces THOMAS Sorba

        11. 90' + 1'

          Cymru left it late to equalise against North Macedonia and will need to do the same here. Plenty of time left though due to those extended VAR checks.

        12. 90'

          Yellow card

          Nicolas Raskin

        13. 89'

          Substitution

          Alexis Saelemaekers replaces Kevin De Bruyne

        14. 89'

          Substitution

          Alexis Saelemaekers replaces Kevin De Bruyne

        15. 88'

          Goal

          Kevin De Bruyne

        16. 88'

          Goal

          Kevin De Bruyne

        17. 88'

          Goal for Belgium. Now it’s 4-3 to the home side. De Bruyne in acres of space to finish at the far post.

        18. 85'

          Goal disallowed, it remains 3-3. VAR confirm that the ball did go out of play in the build-up to the goal. What a relief for Cymru.

        19. 82'

          Yellow card

          WILSON Harry

        20. 82'

          Yellow card

          WILSON Harry

        21. Joe Rodon beats Romelu Lukaku in the air.

        22. 81'

          Yellow card

        23. 80'

          Devastation for Cymru as Lukaku makes it 4-3 to Belgium. Another well-worked move from the home side. However, Bellamy was incensed as it did appear that the ball may have gone out of play in the build-up. VAR are taking a look.

        24. 80'

          Goal

          Romelu Lukaku

        25. 79'

          Yellow card

          MEPHAM Christopher

        26. 79'

          Yellow card

          MEPHAM Christopher

        27. 77'

          Cymru playing with so much confidence now and Belgium are clearly rattled at conceding a three goal lead. Incredible turnaround from the opening half.

        28. 75'

          Substitution

          Nicolas Raskin replaces Dodi Lukébakio

        29. 74'

          Substitution

          Nicolas Raskin replaces Dodi Lukébakio

        30. This is what it means to the Red Wall. So many memorable games between these two nations, and this is another one for the ages.

        32. Not even Kevin De Bruyne could be bored of this one.

        33. 70'

          Goal

          JOHNSON Brennan

        34. 69'

          Goal

          JOHNSON Brennan

        35. 69'

          Goal for Cymru! Unbelievable stuff as Johnson heads his team level in Brussels. Bellamy’s side have had a good spell of possession and have now really made it count. What a game this is.

        36. Craig Bellamy ponders potential changes as Cymru push for an equaliser.

        37. 64'

          A big chance for Harris with his first touch of ball but his header goes narrowly wide.

        38. 63'

          Substitution

          CULLEN Liam Jamie replaces JAMES Jordan Anthony

        39. 63'

          Substitution

          HARRIS Mark replaces BROOKS David

        40. 63'

          Substitution

          HARRIS Mark replaces BROOKS David

        41. 63'

          Substitution

          CULLEN Liam Jamie replaces JAMES Jordan Anthony

        42. Sorba Thomas celebrates his first Cymru goal.

        43. 59'

          Cymru have shown incredible character to get themselves back into this match after being three goals down so early on. This team never know when they’re beaten.

        45. 54'

          Rodon and Davies putting their bodies on the line for Cymru to prevent Belgium from extending their lead. Total commitment to the cause.

        46. Jordan James takes the ball past Kevin De Bruyne in midfield.

        47. 51'

          Goal

          THOMAS Sorba

        48. 51'

          Goal

          THOMAS Sorba

        49. 51'

          Goal for Cymru! A brilliant pass from Wilson finds Thomas on the left and he keeps his composure to finish past Sels.

        50. 50'

          Wilson’s goal appears to have rattled Belgium. Doku is the next player to see his effort sail narrowly past Darlow’s post since the restart.

        51. 47'

          A huge chance for Belgium but substitute Lukébakio shoots over from close-range. A huge let-off for Cymru.

        52. 46'

          Substitution

          Dodi Lukébakio replaces Leandro Trossard

        53. 46'

          Substitution

          Arthur Theate replaces Maxim De Cuyper

        55. Half-time Summary: This was always going to be the toughest test so far for Craig Bellamy and Belgium showed their attacking quality by taking a three goal lead inside 30 minutes. A debatable penalty was eventually confirmed by VAR and converted by Romelu Lukaku before captain Youri Tielemans rounded-off a superb team goal four minutes later.

          Jérémy Doku was a constant threat in the opening half and added a third on 27 minutes when he scored a fine individual goal. The pace of Brennan Johnson did cause problems for Belgium and there were chances for David Brooks and Ben Davies, but a late penalty for Cymru offers hope for the 2nd half.

          Harry Wilson scored from the spot to give the travelling fans something to cheer, but even then Leandro Trossard almost scored a fourth for Belgium. There’s a lot more action to come in this one.

        56. 45' + 8'

          Trossard almost makes immediate amends at the other end but his shot goes wide. Crazy night in Brussels.

        57. 45' + 7'

          Penalty

          WILSON Harry

        58. 45' + 7'

          Penalty

          WILSON Harry

        59. 45' + 7'

          Goal for Cymru! Wilson makes no mistake from the spot to reduce the deficit just before half-time.

        60. 45' + 4'

          Penalty for Cymru! Mepham is fouled by goalkeeper Sels and the referee points to the spot. VAR are taking another look.

        61. 45' + 3'

          Cymru are looking to end the half on a positive with a couple of corners and half-chances.

        62. 41'

          Yellow card

          Leandro Trossard

        63. 41'

          Yellow card

          Leandro Trossard

        64. 41'

          The biggest positive for Cymru is how Johnson’s pace is causing problems for the Belgian defence.

        65. 39'

          Belgium are so dangerous on the counter-attack. Half-time cannot come quick enough for Cymru to regroup and reorganise.

        66. 36'

          Frustration in the Cymru ranks as Belgium score their third goal.

        67. 31'

          Yellow card

          Maxim De Cuyper

        68. 31'

          Yellow card

          Maxim De Cuyper

        69. 31'

          This has turned into a very difficult night for Cymru as Belgium take a three goal lead. Bellamy has it all to do now to get his side back into this match.

        70. Chris Mepham and Joe Rodon in the Cymru defence.

        71. 27'

          Goal

          Jérémy Doku

        72. 27'

          Goal

          Jérémy Doku

        73. 27'

          A third for Belgium. The brilliant Doku twists and turns on the edge of the area to make enough space for himself to drill the ball past Darlow. 3-0 and Cymru have a mountain to climb.

        74. 22'

          End-to-end stuff here in Brussels as De Bruyne comes close to extending Belgium’s lead but his effort drifts narrowly wide of Darlow’s far post.

        75. 20'

          Almost the perfect response from Cymru but Brooks and Davies are both denied by two good saves from Sels.

        76. 19'

          Goal

          Youri Tielemans

        77. 19'

          Goal

          Youri Tielemans

        78. 19'

          Belgium add a second through the captain Tielemans. A well-worked team goal but this will be a huge concern for Bellamy.

        79. 17'

          Yellow card

          AMPADU Ethan

        80. 17'

          Yellow card

          AMPADU Ethan

        81. Sorba Thomas in possession

        82. 16'

          Substitution

          Koni De Winter replaces Thomas Meunier

        83. 16'

          Substitution

          Koni De Winter replaces Thomas Meunier

        84. 15'

          Penalty

          Romelu Lukaku

        85. 15'

          Penalty

          Romelu Lukaku

        86. 15'

          Penalty confirmed. Lukaku steps up for Belgium and converts past Darlow from the spot.

        87. 13'

          Penalty for Belgium as De Bruyne’s effort on goal deflects off Johnson from close-range. VAR are taking a look as the home side wait to take the spot-kick.

        88. 9'

          Concern for Belgium as Meunier goes down injured and receives treatment.

        89. The Cymru starting line-up.

        90. 4'

          Cymru having to deal with some early pressure from the home side, but both teams have shown attacking intent in the opening exchanges.

        91. 1'

          Belgium kick things off in Brussels. A huge night ahead for both nations in this qualifying campaign.

        92. '

          Substitution

          Dodi Lukébakio replaces Leandro Trossard

        93. '

          Substitution

          Arthur Theate replaces Maxim De Cuyper

        95. The teams are out for the national anthems. It’s almost time.

        96. Ben Davies will wear the captain’s armband for Cymru this evening on his 96th cap.

        99. Kieffer Moore will make his 50th Cymru appearance if he comes off the bench this evening. The striker has 14 goals for his country.

        100. The Red Wall are starting to arrive and they could have a big part to play for Cymru this evening.

        104. Harry Wilson checks out the surroundings of the King Baudouin Stadium as the Cymru squad arrive for tonight’s qualifier.

        106. Group J update

          There was a significant match in Group J earlier today as North Macedonia claimed an important 1-0 away to Kazakhstan.

          Aleksandar Trajkovski scored the only goal of the game in Astana on 33 minutes and the victory moves North Macedonia one point above Cymru ahead of tonight’s match against Belgium.

          North Macedonia have now played one game more than Cymru and three more than Belgium.

        107. Team news

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy has made three changes to his starting line-up from the side that defeated Liechtenstein 3-0 in Cardiff on Friday night.

          Chris Mepham, David Brooks and Jordan James all come into the first XI while Liam Cullen and Kieffer Moore are named on the bench. The injury suffered by Neco Williams on Friday has ruled him out of tonight’s match.

          Uncapped teenager Ronan Kpakio is named on the bench and could make his first senior international appearance.

        109. The stage is set at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. A familiar venue for Cymru and the Red Wall in recent years.

          Team news to follow very shortly.

        112. The Cymru squad took in the sights earlier today ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Belgium in Brussels this evening.

        114. Paper round

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy features across the back pages this morning as his side prepare to take on Belgium in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying this evening.

          Bellamy was asked in his press conference yesterday about the talent of Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku, who he worked with during his time at Anderlecht.

          “He could lose you in a phone booth,” said Bellamy about the 23-year-old. “I have never had to apologise to so many under-21 coaches that a 17-year-old was playing – that’s how good he was. It’s like it wasn’t fair.

          “We can all spot ability, but I loved him as a person and still do. He could test you, but I loved that. He taught me more about how to be a coach than a lot of players. Because you have to understand the background they are from, the culture they are from. His drive was insane, which I loved. Great kid. I played a small part, a tiny part of his development.”

        117. Bellamy loving Cymru life

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy spoke to the media in Brussels on Sunday as he prepares his side to take on Belgium this evening and reflected on his first year in the role.

          “I’ve actually just had the best year of my life,” said Bellamy. “This has been the best. How did I get that at 45? It’s what I’ve been waiting for, but at the same time, it’s like I don’t know what’s around the corner.

          “But I know what I’m going to do – enjoy everything. The good, the bad, whatever it is. Maybe I look too deep into stuff or maybe not. I try not to. But we’re here for a tiny, short time. I’m here today, I’ll be gone tomorrow, so why not enjoy it?”

          Bellamy also confirmed that Neco Williams and Dan James will miss the match. “I’ve never once moaned about it before and I’m not going to start now. We have good enough players,” he explained.

          “Of course we’d like them, but they’re not going to be here. Let’s make sure they’re in a good position for when they come back.”

        119. Welcome to Belgium

          The Cymru squad arrived in Belgium yesterday ahead of tonight’s huge 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Brussels.

          Neco Williams and Dan James will miss the match through injury and illness respectively as head coach Craig Bellamy looks to extend his unbeaten run to 10 games.

          Cymru currently lead Group J by two points and have a six point lead over Belgium who started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against North Macedonia in Skopje on Friday.

        122. Preparations continue

          The Cymru squad continued their preparations in Cardiff this morning prior to traveling to Belgium ahead of Monday’s huge qualifier in Brussels.

          Neco Williams will not be involved following the injury he picked up in Friday’s 3-0 win over Liechtenstein in Cardiff and he has been replaced in the squad by Cardiff City’s 19-year-old defender Dylan Lawlor.

        125. Meet the Ref

          Irfan Peljto will be the referee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Belgium and Cymru in Brussels on Monday night.

          The 40-year-old from Bosnia and Herzegovina has been a FIFA referee since 2015 and recently took charge of the UEFA Conference League Final between Real Betis and Chelsea in Poland, making him the first Bosnian to referee a major European club final.

          Senad Ibrišimbegović and Davor Beljo will be the assistant referees while Luka Bilbija is the fourth official and all are also from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Alen Borošak is the VAR and will be assisted by Asmir Sagrković, who are both from Slovenia.

        127. Previous meetings

          There have been 17 previous meetings between Cymru and Belgium in an international rivalry that began back in 1949 and has delivered some of the most iconic moments in Cymru football history.

          Belgium have won seven of those 17 fixtures with Cymru claiming five victories while there have been five draws. The most recent meeting took place in September 2022 in the UEFA Nations League as Belgium claimed a 2-1 win.

          However, it was 10 years ago this week that Gareth Bale scored one of the most famous Cymru goals at the Cardiff City Stadium as Chris Coleman’s side defeated Belgium 1-0 in EURO qualifying (below), before claiming a 3-1 win at the quarter-final stage of EURO 2016 a year later.

          Click here for our special feature as we take a look at the history of this fixture and how it defined our golden generation.

        128. Only one approach from Bellamy in Brussels

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy spoke to the media following the 3-0 victory over Liechtenstein and revealed how his he will approach Monday’s huge match against Belgium.

          “We go there and I’m not camping,” said Bellamy. “I’m not sitting back. It’s not in my make-up. I can’t do it, I don’t want to do it. So let me watch the game a little bit more. I’ve got a little bit more in my head but I’m really excited about it.”

          Belgium dropped two points in North Macedonia in their opening group game on Friday, and Bellamy was not that surprised having also seen his side draw 1-1 in Skopje.

          “These games can happen,” he explained. “They haven’t lost. Did I expect them to get three points? I did, I need to see the game back to give you a better rundown on what happened and how it happened, and even for myself. But, yeah, North Macedonia played their part, so good.”

        130. As it stands

          Cymru moved two points clear at the top of Group J in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying on Friday night with a comfortable 3-0 win over Liechtenstein in Cardiff while Belgium began their campaign with a draw.

          Joe Rodon, Harry Wilson and Kieffer Moore were on target to extend Craig Bellamy’s undefeated run as Cymru head coach to nine games and the side now head to Brussels for what is a pivotal match against Belgium on Monday evening.

          Maxim De Cuyper gave Belgium the lead in the opening half in North Macedonia but the home side levelled on 86 minutes through a superb strike from Ezgjan Alioski. North Macedonia also remain undefeated after three games and are away to Kazakhstan on Monday.

        131. There is no live report available for this match

        Lineups

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          Substitutes

            Starting

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                Table

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                Match Info

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                Date & Time

                Referee

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