Despite a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to Belgium in Brussels, Wales manager Craig Bellamy remains optimistic about his nation's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The loss, which saw Kevin De Bruyne score a late winner for Belgium, was Bellamy's first in his ten games as Wales boss.

Wales currently sits in second place in Group J of the UEFA World Cup qualifiers, a point behind North Macedonia. Belgium is three points behind Wales but have two games in hand. The race for the top spot, which guarantees automatic qualification for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is intensely competitive. The team finishing second will have a chance to qualify through play-offs.

Bellamy acknowledged the setback but emphasized the fighting spirit and potential within his squad. He highlighted the team's comeback from a 3-0 deficit against a strong Belgium side as a testament to their resilience and determination. Wales captain Ben Davies echoed this sentiment, stating that the pain of the loss was amplified by how close they came to securing a positive result.

Wales's path to the World Cup is far from over. The team's strong performance in the Nations League almost guarantees them a play-off spot. Bellamy and his squad are focused on securing as many points as possible in their remaining qualifying matches. Wales will host Belgium in Cardiff in October, a match that promises to be a crucial encounter in the group.

Several factors contribute to Bellamy's optimism. Firstly, Wales has demonstrated the ability to score goals, with 10 goals in their first four qualifying matches. Secondly, the team has shown resilience and a never-say-die attitude, exemplified by their comeback against Belgium. Finally, Bellamy has instilled a clear tactical plan and a strong team spirit, creating a positive environment for the players to thrive.

Looking ahead, Wales faces a challenging schedule with crucial matches against Kazakhstan, North Macedonia, and Belgium. Bellamy will need to ensure his players remain focused and maintain their high level of performance. The return fixture against Belgium in Cardiff will be particularly important, as a win would significantly boost Wales's chances of automatic qualification.

While the defeat to Belgium was a setback, Craig Bellamy's leadership, the team's resilience, and their attacking prowess provide reasons for optimism. The dream of reaching the 2026 World Cup is still very much alive for Wales.