Wales vs Belgium - FIFA World Cup Qualifier.

On October 13, 2025, Wales faced Belgium in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier at Cardiff City Stadium

The match ended 4-2 in favor of Belgium, a result that significantly affected Wales' hopes of automatic qualification.

Match Summary

• Final Score: Wales 2, Belgium 4
• Venue: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
• Attendance: 32,803
• Referee: Daniel Siebert

Goal Summary

Wales

• Joe Rodon opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a header from a well-taken free kick by Sorba Thomas.
• Nathan Broadhead, a second-half substitute, scored in the 89th minute, giving Wales a glimmer of hope.

Belgium

• Kevin De Bruyne equalized in the 18th minute thanks to a penalty awarded after Ethan Ampadu's handball.
• Thomas Meunier gave Belgium the lead in the 24th minute with a powerful shot.
• De Bruyne converted a second penalty in the 76th minute, after another handball in the box.
• Leandro Trossard sealed the victory with a goal in the 90th minute, finishing off a quick counterattack.

Player Performances

Wales

• Karl Darlow (5): Made a few decent saves, but had a difficult night against the Belgian attack.
• Neco Williams (4): Made a consistent effort, but failed to impose himself on the game.
• Ben Cabango (5): Was solid in aerial duels, but suffered under pressure from the Belgian attack.
• Joe Rodon (6): Scored an excellent goal, but was unable to contain the Belgian attack.
• Ben Davies (5): Was active in defense, but was often overwhelmed by Jérémy Doku and his teammates.
• Ethan Ampadu (4): Was overwhelmed for most of the match, despite a contested penalty decision.
• Jordan James (5): Attempted to create chances, but was frustrated by the Belgian defense.
• David Brooks (6): Showed commitment, but his passing choices often lacked precision.
• Harry Wilson (6): Struggled to find the final decisive move.
• Sorba Thomas (7 - MAN OF THE MATCH): Was the most active player, delivering several dangerous crosses and providing the corner that led to Rodon's goal.
• Mark Harris (4): Started the match promisingly, but quickly faded after the opening goal.

Belgium

• Kevin De Bruyne: Was the team's driving force, scoring two penalties and orchestrating the attacking play.
• Thomas Meunier: Was effective up front, scoring a crucial goal and contributing to the pressure on the Welsh defense.
• Leandro Trossard: Was decisive in scoring the final goal, adding to the Welsh frustration.
• Jérémy Doku: Was a constant threat on the wing, creating numerous chances and forcing fouls in the Welsh defense.

Match Analysis

The match started promisingly for Wales, who took an early lead through Rodon. However, De Bruyne's quick equalizer changed the dynamics of the match. The controversial penalty awarded to Belgium seemed to demoralize the Welsh, who struggled to regain their rhythm after the decision.

Despite some good periods of possession, Wales failed to capitalize on their chances. The team showed signs of fatigue and frustration, especially after the second penalty. Wales manager Craig Bellamy expressed his disappointment with the outcome, while emphasizing that the team must now focus on the upcoming matches if they hope to qualify for the playoffs.

The defeat leaves Wales in a difficult position in Group J, where they must now fight for a playoff spot, with games against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia to come.