Belgium meet Wales in a blockbuster UEFA Qualifying Group J showdown in the race for automatic qualification to 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Should Kazakhstan fail to beat North Macedonia in a teatime kick-off, victory will lift Belgium up to third.
Wales meanwhile could begin this match sat second if North Macedonia beat Kazakhstan and need to avoid defeat to return to the summit, although a win would put them nine points clear of Belgium.
Team News
Belgium have no fresh injury concerns to report following their 1-1 draw away to North Macedonia.
Wales have called up Dylan Lawlor for this game after Neco Williams suffered an ankle injury during their 3-0 win over Liechtenstein, which forced the full-back to withdraw from the squad.
When is Kick-Off?
Belgium host Wales at King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, on Monday 9 June at 8:45pm CEST (7:45pm UK Time), networked live on BBC One across the UK.
Stat Attack
- Belgium have lost just one of their last eight World Cup Qualifier meetings against Wales (W5, D2, L1).
- Wales are yet to win a World Cup qualifier away to Belgium (D1, L3).
- Kevin De Bruyne has scored in each of Belgium’s last two matches at home to Wales (W2).
- Maxim De Cuyper has scored in each of Belgium’s last two matches (W1, D1).
- All seven of Wales’ goals in their first three group matches were scored by seven different goalscorers.
Prediction
Coming into their first home qualifier of the campaign off the back of a wasteful draw away to North Macedonia in a game which they dominated, Belgium simply need to deliver a more clinical performance because they can’t afford to slip nine points behind group-topping Wales here.
Wales meanwhile were simply dominant in how they clinically controlled the game in their win over Liechtenstein without disrespecting their opposition, even if it meant needing patience at times amidst rushed final touches early on which might stand them well in a game where they need composure.
Ordinarily I would back Belgium to win this given their home form over Wales but Craig Bellamy has revitalised Wales with no defeat since his arrival as manager, and I can see that run continuing if they can dig in defensively and frustrate the Belgian Red Devils.
Prediction: Belgium 1-1 Wales
