June 10 – With a late strike, Kevin De Bruyne led Belgium to an important 4-3 win against Wales in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
With goals from Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku in the first 30 minutes, Belgium seemed to have wrapped up the game against Craig Bellamy’s team early on, but Wales fought back in a dramatic second half to draw level before De Bruyne, formerly of Manchester City, rescued the hosts in the 88th minute. Harry Willson from the penalty spot, Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson had scored for the visitors.
“The most important thing is that we won,” said Belgium’s manager Rudi Garcia. “Psychologically, it is difficult to give a bonus of 3 goals, but we have shown our mental strength. It is symbolic that Kevin, the winner, gets the winning goal.”
It was the second time in a matter of days that Belgium failed to convince against modest opponents following a 1-1 draw away to North Macedonia. Under Garcia, the defence has often been exposed and both Lukaku and De Bruyne have failed to impress.
“We are in a learning process,” explained Garcia. “But I am starting to get to know the possibilities of some players better and better. That offers a perspective for the future. We now have to analyse how we can improve defensively. Although I still prefer to win 4-3 than to draw 0-0.”
With four points out of six and two games in hand, the team sit in third in Group J behind North Macedonia and Wales. The group winners qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1749623131labto1749623131ofdlr1749623131owedi1749623131sni@i1749623131tnuk.1749623131ardni1749623131mas1749623131