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

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        Live ReportMatch Summary

        1. Craig Bellamy’s post-match reaction

          “We knew there would be moments in the game with Belgium’s attacking threat, difficult periods. We had the start we wanted but we’re completely aware of the strengths of the Belgium team. The penalty was a sucker-punch to everyone. We have to try and respond better.

          “My initial thoughts on how we played is that I definitely liked a lot of our game. It’s not much consolation, but we’ve scored five goals against Belgium, and we haven’t got a point. The game wasn’t decided on VAR.

          “I’m proud of the players, the team I like in us was evident in large parts and that’s what I take from it. We knew we needed to win and we were here to win. The draw wasn’t going to get us first spot. We knew there was going to be difficult transition moments, but players of their quality don’t miss the final pass.

          “We felt the best way to combat this team was to have the ball, and we created a lot of chances. We opened-up more at the end and it didn’t help us and we lost control in the end. We wanted top spot to go straight through, but I’m aware of where we are as well. There’s another opportunity with the Nations League.

          “I honestly love playing these top teams, it’s so good. Your heart is in your mouth on times, you’re living on the edge. We need to get close to these teams. I told you from the start, we’re going to press, and I have to compliment the players on that.”

        5. Match Summary

          Cymru’s FIFA World Cup fate lies in the balance after Belgium’s victory at Cardiff City Stadium puts them in pole position for the automatic qualification spot. Cymru have a big November ahead as they can replace North Macedonia in second place in the group to take a play-off spot.

          This qualifying match was electric and there was the sense of a big occasion around this match with The Red Wall creating an incredible noise. It was always going to be a tough ask as Belgium’s last defeat came in EURO qualifying in June 2015, when they lost 2-0 to Cymru at Cardiff City Stadium. However, their last World Cup qualifying defeat was a 2-0 loss to Estonia in October 2009.

          The atmosphere helped Craig Bellamy’s team to take control of the fixture and they took the lead through Joe Rodon after just eight minutes of the match when he headed in from a free kick.

          Cymru’s lead lasted just 10 minutes as Daniel Sierbert, the match referee, was advised to go to the VAR screen to review a handball in the box. As Charles De Ketelaere took a shot, the ball hit Ethan Ampadu’s outstretched arm. Kevin De Bruyne scored from the spot to pull Belgium level.

          Moments later, Belgium completely turned the game around when a long ball forward was picked up by Jeremy Doku. After cutting inside, he set up Thomas Meunier to give his team the lead.

          Cymru nearly hit back themselves when Jordan James hit a goal-bound effort before the half-time break, but Thibaut Courtois pulled off a wonderful save by diving to his left to push the ball away to safety.

          There were even more goals in the second half.

          When Cymru lost composure late in the second half, they conceded a second penalty when James handled the ball in the box. Kevin De Bruyne netted his second from the resulting penalty spot to make it 1-3.

          Nathan Broadhead came off the bench to give Cymru hope when he scored for 2-3, but Belgium immediately responded through Leandro Trossard to put the game beyond Craig Bellamy’s team once again.

          Craig Bellamy will be absent from the touchline in Cymru’s next match against Liechtenstein after he was booked on the sidelines, and Harry Wilson will also be suspended for the visit to Vaduz.

          Both will have served their suspensions for the visit of North Macedonia to Cardiff on 18 November.

        6. Full-time Summary

          There were even more goals in the second half. When Cymru lost composure they conceded a second penalty in the game when Jordan James handled the ball in the box. Kevin De Bruyne netted his second from the resulting penalty spot to make it 1-3. Nathan Broadhead came off the bench to give Cymru hope when he scored for 2-3 but Belgium immediately responded through Trossard to put the game beyond Craig Bellamy’s team once again.

        7. It’s all over at Cardiff City Stadium as Belgium win to take top spot in the Group J standings. In tonight’s other match, North Macedonia drew 1-1 in Kazakhstan. North Macedonia’s final group match is against Cymru in Cardiff next month.

        8. Broadhead’s strike that gave Cymru some short lived hope.

        10. There will be 7 minutes of added time.

        12. 90'

          Goal

          Leandro Trossard

        13. 90'

          Goal

          Leandro Trossard

        14. 90'

          Belgium attack from the restart and look to have secured all three points as Trossard nets a fourth for the visitors.

        15. 89'

          Goal

          BROADHEAD Nathan Paul

        16. 89'

          Goal

          BROADHEAD Nathan Paul

        17. 89'

          GOAL!!!! It’s not over yet as Moore sets up Broadhead to make it 3-2.

        18. 86'

          Substitution

          DASILVA Jay Rhys replaces JAMES Jordan Anthony

        19. 86'

          Substitution

          MOORE Kieffer Roberto Francisco replaces HARRIS Mark

        20. 86'

          Substitution

          MOORE Kieffer Roberto Francisco replaces HARRIS Mark

        21. 86'

          Substitution

          DASILVA Jay Rhys replaces JAMES Jordan Anthony

        22. 86'

          James and Harris are substituted for Moore and Dasilva.

        23. 81'

          Substitution

          Malick Fofana replaces Charles De Ketelaere

        24. 81'

          Substitution

          Axel Witsel replaces Kevin De Bruyne

        25. 81'

          Substitution

          Brandon Mechele replaces Arthur Theate

        26. 81'

          Substitution

          Malick Fofana replaces Charles De Ketelaere

        27. 81'

          Substitution

          Axel Witsel replaces Kevin De Bruyne

        28. 80'

          Substitution

          Brandon Mechele replaces Arthur Theate

        29. 80'

          Belgium make a triple substitution. Theate, De Ketelaere and De Bruyne are all off and are replaced by Mechele, Witsel and Fofana.

        31. 77'

          Cymru have been very much in the match but Belgium’s third goal may be too much of a challenge to overcome.

        32. 76'

          Penalty

          Kevin De Bruyne

        33. 76'

          Penalty

          Kevin De Bruyne

        34. 76'

          De Bruyne puts the ball out of the reach of Darlow’s dive. Belgium lead 1-3.

        35. 74'

          James handles the ball in the box after Cymru put themselves under pressure. The referee was quick to award Belgium with another penalty.

        36. 72'

          Substitution

          BROADHEAD Nathan Paul replaces DAVIES Benjamin Thomas

        37. 72'

          Substitution

          BROADHEAD Nathan Paul replaces DAVIES Benjamin Thomas

        38. 71'

          Davies is forced off through injury and is replaced by Broadhead.

        39. 70'

          Belgium substitution as Onana makes way for Vanaken.

        40. 69'

          Substitution

          Hans Vanaken replaces Amadou Onana

        41. 69'

          Substitution

          Hans Vanaken replaces Amadou Onana

        42. 69'

          Darlow to the rescue. Doku gets a free strike at goal but hits it straight at the Cymru goalkeeper, who makes an easy save.

        43. 64'

          Yellow card

          Thomas Meunier

        44. 64'

          Yellow card

          Thomas Meunier

        45. 60'

          Substitution

          Timothy Castagne replaces Maxim De Cuyper

        46. 60'

          Substitution

          Timothy Castagne replaces Maxim De Cuyper

        47. 58'

          Substitution

          JOHNSON Brennan replaces BROOKS David

        48. 58'

          Substitution

          JOHNSON Brennan replaces BROOKS David

        49. 58'

          Substitution

          JOHNSON Brennan replaces BROOKS David

        50. 58'

          Substitution for Cymru as Brooks makes way for Johnson.

        51. 56'

          Cymru force a corner and it gets The Red Wall going.

        52. 55'

          Cymru starting to build-up some pressure again in the game.

        53. 51'

          Yellow card

          DAVIES Benjamin Thomas

        54. 51'

          Yellow card

          DAVIES Benjamin Thomas

        55. 48'

          De Bruyne takes the corner but sees the ball headed away. Belgium regain possession and Doku shoots but sends his effort wide of the post.

        56. 47'

          Doku find his way once again into the Cymru box but the defence get the ball behind for a corner.

        57. 46'

          Cymru get the second half underway.

        58. Jeremy Doku was impressive for Belgium in the first half. Can Cymru keep him quiet in the second?

        59. Half-time summary

          A highly entertaining first half at the Cardiff City Stadium where Cymru took the lead when Joe Rodon headed in from a corner kick as The Red Wall erupted. Belgium equalised when Charles De Ketelaere kicked the ball into Ampadu’s arm in the box. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty that Kevin De Bruyne scored from. Moments later, Belgium completely turned the game around when a long ball forward was picked up by Jeremy Doku. After cutting inside, he set-up Thomas Meunier to score and make it 1-2. Cymru had chances to equalise themselves with Jordan James drawing a fine save from Thibaut Courtois.

        60. 44'

          Thomas plays an inside pass to James, whose powerful shot is palmed away by Courtois. Cymru keep the ball and Wilson shoots across the goal and the ball goes wide of the far post. So close.

        61. 41'

          Cymru are put under pressure as Belgium win a couple of corners. The defence holds out.

        62. Harris has been lively for Cymru leading the attack.

        63. Darlow makes a save.

        64. 34'

          Doku is giving Cabango a tough time down Cymru’s left. After he goes around the Cymru defender, Doku finds De Bruyne’s run but he sends his shot over the bar.

        65. 33'

          Thomas superbly crosses into the box and finds Wilson, who tries to bring the ball under control but as it bounces off his chest it takes him wide and a glorious chance is gone.

        66. 30'

          Belgium should be three goals to the good but when Trossard shoots, a last second intervention from Rodon puts the ball behind for a corner.

        69. 24'

          Goal

          Thomas Meunier

        70. 24'

          Goal

          Thomas Meunier

        71. 24'

          It’s end to end as Belgium attack and score through Meunier following an assist by Doku.

        72. 22'

          Thomas fails to get the ball past the first defender as Belgium clear. Cymru are quick to regain possession.

        73. 22'

          Harris forces another corner.

        74. 18'

          Penalty

          Kevin De Bruyne

        75. 18'

          Yellow card

        76. 18'

          Penalty

          Kevin De Bruyne

        77. 18'

          It’s 1-1 as De Bruyne scores from the spot.

        78. 17'

          The referee has awarded a penalty kick after reviewing VAR. De Bruyne to take.

        79. 17'

          VAR intervention here. The referee is being sent to the monitor.

        80. 15'

          Belgium are in the Cymru box applying pressure, they want a handball but the referee directs the teams to play on.

        82. 13'

          Yellow card

          WILSON Harry

        83. 13'

          Yellow card

          WILSON Harry

        84. 8'

          Goal

          RODON Joseph

        85. 8'

          Goal

          RODON Joseph

        86. 8'

          Joe Rodon scores with a header. It’s been an incredible start by Cymru.

        87. 7'

          Cymru corner and it’s a GOAL!!!!

        88. 5'

          A penalty to Cymru? The referee doesn’t think so and awards a corner after the ball deflects off the post.

        89. 5'

          A Cymru free kick out on the right is swung into the box but Cubango sends his header wide.

        90. 4'

          Thomas takes the corner but despite the Belgian defence clearing the ball, Cymru keep possession.

        91. 3'

          Brilliant start from Cymru as Brooks takes the ball forward. The move ends with Wilson playing a pass into Harris who nearly scores but the ball is cleared for a corner.

        92. 1'

          KICK OFF! Belgium get this World Cup qualifier underway.

        93. Whoa! Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was awesome!

        94. Prior to kick off, the Cymru squad have been showing their support for Show Racism the Red Card.

        98. Ethan Ampadu provides his pre-match thoughts.

        99. The Cymru squad have arrived at Cardiff City Stadium. Sorba Thomas (centre) and Jordan James (right) start this evening.

        102. Ben Davies earns his 100th cap for Cymru as Craig Bellamy confirms his team for this World Cup qualifier.

        103. Belgium boasts an impressive stat: they haven’t lost a qualifying match for over a decade. Their last defeat came in EURO qualifying in June 2015, where they lost 2-0 to Cymru at Cardiff City Stadium. However, their last World Cup qualifying defeat was a 2-0 loss to Estonia in October 2009.

        104. Cymru have three games remaining against Belgium (home), Liechtenstein (away) and North Macedonia (home) and know that three wins would see Craig Bellamy’s side finish group winners. However, only two points separate the top three nations as it stands and all three have their eyes on that automatic qualification place.

        105. A capacity crowd will be at Cardiff City Stadium tonight under the floodlights.

        106. Gêm 725

        107. Celebrations

          If you’re attending the match at Cardiff City Stadium tonight, here are a few celebrations to look out for with some familiar faces in attendance. Chris Mepham, Kieffer Moore and Neco Williams will be presented their 50th caps by former Cymru international and EURO 2016 semi-finalist Sam Vokes. At half time Wayne Hennessey’s career will be celebrated in a presentation with his childhood hero and former Cymru goalkeeper Neville Southall.

          Read more by clicking here

        110. Bellamy believes ‘special moment’ is coming

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy also spoke to the media on Sunday afternoon as his team completed their final preparations for Monday’s huge World Cup qualifier against Belgium

          “The nice part of this group now is that we have three games left, and if we win all three, we claim top spot,” Bellamy explained. “Same for Belgium, same for North Macedonia. You just have to embrace it and enjoy it. Tomorrow night we’re home, a full stadium, we just have to enjoy every second of it.

          “I believe there’s always a special moment coming. Players have been in this situation so many times over the last 10 years, especially Cardiff nights. When we’ve managed to qualify, it’s been here. The crowd is used to this environment and these moments.”

          Bellamy also discussed the 3-0 defeat to England at Wembley Stadium last week. “I’m a little bit different, and I don’t advocate for everyone to be like this, I quite like losing sometimes,” he added.

          “It makes me push, makes me see things even more. I’m prepared for whatever happens, and I always am. I have to be consistent in everything I do, and that’s on and off the pitch. It [England game] has given me the feeling this team can go a lot further. That leaves you excited.”

        112. Ben Davies on 100th appearance milestone

          Cymru captain Ben Davies spoke to the media at the team base this afternoon and discussed his emotions as he prepares to become the latest player to make 100 appearances for his country.

          “It’s an incredible feeling really to be able to achieve milestones like this,” said Davies. “I’d have been happy to have picked up one cap for Wales in my life growing up as a kid, so to reach something like this is an incredibly proud moment for me and my family, but at the same time, there’s a job to be done.”

          Davies also spoke about the challenge of taking on Belgium on Monday night with just two points separating the top three teams in Group J following their 0-0 draw with North Macedonia on Friday.

          “It’s huge as all of a sudden it’s in the hands of all three teams,” Davies added. “We know how good a team Belgium are and how big a test it will be, but we have to go out there and hopefully get a result.

          “We wear the shirt for a reason; we want to try and qualify for major tournaments. After the England game we were hurting as a group. It was a game we probably expected better from ourselves. It gave us a wake-up call as well, and we learnt a lot about ourselves.”

        116. Ben Davies set for 100th cap

          Cymru captain Ben Davies is expected to become the latest international centurion on Monday night as he prepares to lead his side out on his 100th appearance for his country.

          Davies made his senior international debut against Scotland in October 2012 and has been an integral part of the Cymru squad ever since. Davies has played at two EURO finals and the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has scored three goals in his 99 appearances to date.

          “I watched the game back against Canada and he was so good,” said Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy last week. “He was just amazing – every part of his game. As good as I’ve ever seen him play for Wales, that was my feeling.

          “We can all agree that he’s been a top player. But we are all very impressed with him as an individual, as a person. You can see when he does interviews. He’s very impressive. He will be a top manager if he wants to be. Or he could become a director of football, or a CEO.

          “He’s that level and beyond impressive as a person. His level of consistency – and his consistency of being available – is a credit to him. I have loved him. As a coach, he is such a big help. I lean on him a lot. He’s the voice for a lot of players. He is the main part of the leadership group and when he talks, you listen.

          “He’s not playing every week for his club and that could be a very difficult period for some individuals. But he’s still able to train and play to such a high standard. You just know what he is.”

        117. Meet the Ref

          Daniel Siebert will take charge of the match between Cymru and Belgium on Monday night. The 41-year-old from Germany was the man in the middle when Cymru played Denmark in the Round of 16 at UEFA EURO 2020 (below).

          Jan Seidel and Rafael Foltyn are the assistant referees and Daniel Schlager is the fourth official. Pascal Müller is the VAR and he will be assisted by Harm Osmers. All of the officials are from Germany.

        119. Preparations continue

          The Cymru squad continued their preparations on Saturday ahead of the huge 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium on Monday night.

          Both nations have the opportunity to move above group leaders North Macedonia following their 0-0 draw with Belgium on Friday.

        120. How it stands

          The situation in Group J took another twist on Friday night as North Macedonia and Belgium, the two undefeated teams in the group, played out a 0-0 draw in Ghent.

          With both teams dropping two points at the top, a victory for Cymru over Belgium on Monday night in Cardiff would move Craig Bellamy’s side to the top of the group with two games remaining.

          North Macedonia still top the group with 12 points while Belgium and Cymru are on 11 and 10 points respectively, and both teams have played one game less than the current leaders.

          The draw means that Cymru would automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if they win their final three games. Following Monday’s match against Belgium, Bellamy’s side head to Liechtenstein on 15 November before hosting North Macedonia in what is set to be a huge match for both nations three days later.

          North Macedonia are also in action on Monday as they host Kazakhstan in their penultimate match of the campaign.

        122. Previous meetings

          There have been 18 previous meetings between Cymru and Belgium in a fixture that was first played back in May 1949 when the two teams met in Liège.

          Although Belgium won that opening match 3-1, Cymru responded with a 5-1 victory in Cardiff in November that year with Trevor Ford scoring a hat-trick in the convincing win. Those initial internationals set the tone for what would become a classic fixture, with two Cymru victories in 2015 and 2016 defining our golden generation (below).

          The most recent match between Cymru and Belgium took place in Brussels in June and was just as memorable as Craig Bellamy’s side recovered from going three goals down to level the score before Kevin De Bruyne made it 4-3 to the hosts in the final moments.

          Prior to that last match in Brussels, we took a closer look at the history of this fixture and the importance of those two famous victories in this special feature – How Cymru v Belgium defined a generation.

        123. Group J update

          Belgium have the chance to move to the top of Group J in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying ahead of Monday’s match against Cymru in Cardiff.

          Rudi Garcia’s side take on current group leaders North Macedonia in Ghent on Friday night with Belgium sitting just one point in second place behind having played one game less.

          North Macedonia are also in action on Monday when they host Kazakhstan in Skopje. Here is the current situation in Group J ahead of Friday and Monday’s fixtures.

        125. There is no live report available for this match

        Lineups

        Starting

          Substitutes

            Starting

              Substitutes

                Table

                P
                Gd
                Pts

                Match Info

                Stadium

                Date & Time

                Referee

                Fourth Official

                Assistant Referees

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