Cardiff – Kevin De Bruyne's penalty brace propelled Belgium to a crucial 4-2 victory over Wales in their World Cup qualifying match held in Cardiff. The win significantly bolsters Belgium's chances of automatic qualification, while denting Wales' hopes.

Wales took an early lead in the 8th minute when Joe Rodon powerfully headed home from a Sorba Thomas corner. The hosts' joy was short-lived, however, as Belgium responded swiftly. In the 18th minute, Ethan Ampadu was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area, and De Bruyne calmly converted the resulting penalty to level the score.

Belgium then took the lead in the 24th minute through Thomas Meunier, who finished off a counter-attack. Leandro Trossard delivered a diagonal ball to Jeremy Doku, who cut the ball back for Meunier to strike home.

The second half saw Belgium continue to press. In the 76th minute, another handball, this time by Jordan James, resulted in a second penalty for Belgium. De Bruyne once again stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty past Karl Darlow, extending Belgium's lead.

Wales showed resilience and Nathan Broadhead pulled a goal back in the 89th minute, making it 3-2. However, Belgium responded immediately, with Trossard scoring to restore the two-goal cushion and secure the victory.

The match was the latest encounter between the two nations, who have met frequently since 2012. Wales had memorable victories in Euro 2016 qualifying and the tournament's quarter-final, but Belgium has been dominant in recent meetings.

Belgium's victory puts them in a strong position in Group J, while Wales now face an uphill battle to secure automatic qualification. They trail Belgium by four points and are locked in a battle with North Macedonia for second place.