Wales are set to face Belgium in a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying match at Cardiff City Stadium this evening, October 13, 2025, at 7:45 PM. With just two matches remaining for Wales after tonight's game, every point and every goal could prove decisive in the battle for automatic qualification.

The Stakes

Wales currently sit in a tight race in Group J with 10 points. Belgium are currently undefeated in the group with 11 points. A victory tonight would be a huge boost to Wales' hopes of securing automatic qualification. Wales would move to 13 points, leapfrogging both Belgium and potentially North Macedonia if the latter fail to beat Kazakhstan. If North Macedonia lose, Wales would go top of the group heading into the final international window. A North Macedonia draw would see Wales go level with them on points. if North Macedonia win, Wales would sit two points off first, with a very favorable run-in to come. A draw would keep Wales in contention but leave them needing favors from elsewhere. Wales would move up to 11 points, one behind Belgium and potentially one, two or four behind North Macedonia, depending on their result against Kazakhstan. With only two games left, Wales would almost certainly need to win both remaining matches and hope Belgium or North Macedonia slip up to finish top.

How Qualification Works

Twelve group winners from Europe qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup. The 12 group runners-up go into the play-offs, joined by the four best Nations League group winners who didn't finish in the top two of their qualifying group. Those 16 teams are split into four play-off paths, each featuring two single-leg semi-finals and one final. The four path winners secure the remaining European spots.

Team News

Craig Bellamy has no new injury concerns after the loss to England, so we can expect to see a similar starting eleven. Neco Williams, Joe Rodon, Ben Davies and Jay Dasilva should retain their places in the backline, with Ethan Ampadu likely partnering Liam Cullen in midfield. David Brooks and Harry Wilson should line up alongside Brennan Johnson in attack, with striker Kieffer Moore leading the line once again. Alexis Saelemaekers has been sent home from the squad with a muscular problem, though that is the only new issue for Rudi Garcia. Ben Davies is expected to earn his 100th cap. Chris Mepham, Kieffer Moore and Neco Williams will be presented their 50th caps by former Cymru international and EURO 2016 semi-finalist Sam Vokes.

Match Preview

Wales come into this match off a heavy 3–0 friendly loss to England. Manager Craig Bellamy has urged the squad to move on and focus on their qualification hopes, calling this match a chance for a “special moment”. Belgium are under pressure to respond after a 0–0 draw with North Macedonia in their last qualifier. New coach Rudi Garcia has stressed that a win is crucial, though he admitted a draw wouldn't be disastrous. Historically, Belgium has had the edge over Wales. Last June, they won 4–3 in a thrilling match, with De Bruyne scoring late.

Predictions

Belgium will control possession, look to stretch Wales, and exploit spaces using De Bruyne's passes and Doku's speed.