Belgium vs. Wales: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

This encounter promises to be a tight contest between two teams with contrasting recent fortunes. Belgium will have the advantage of playing at home and possess more individual quality, but Wales’ unbeaten run and tactical discipline cannot be overlooked. The absence of Courtois and Wales’ solid defensive shape could make life tricky for Belgium, and a close game is not unlikely. Ultimately, Belgium should have too much for Wales here, but the visitors should put up an admirable fight. Belgium 2-1 Wales.

Two sides that have become well acquainted over the years meet in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup this week as Belgium lock horns with Wales.

• Date: 09/06/2025
• Location: King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels
• Kick-Off Time: 19:45

Belgium are still looking to make a serious dent in international football after their re-emergence as a powerhouse of talent production in the early 2010s. A semi-final in the 2018 World Cup was a high point, but the Belgians are slowly becoming known as a national team that presents as smaller than the sum of its parts.

They'll want to rid themselves of that reputation and as their "golden generation" era is well and truly dusted, they'll feel as though the time is ripe to turn over a new leaf. Fans of the Belgian Red Devils can be excited by the fact they have another group of very exciting young players coming through, so their chances of success are far from over either.

They're coming into this game on a run of reaching six consecutive tournaments, a record for the Belgian national team, and they'll be desperate to extend that to eight. On paper, you'd imagine that the Welsh will provide the stiffest test of all the opponents in this group, and the history of games involving these two sides suggests it will be a competitive one.

A win here for Belgium would probably mean they have one foot in next summer's World Cup, so they'll be eager to get the job done in style.

Wales' new era is well and truly underway as they come into this game still unbeaten under manager Craig Bellamy. It's still early days, but the signs have been positive since Bellamy's arrival and there's a renewed sense of excitement surrounding the team.

Wales are attempting to qualify for a second straight World Cup, which would be a first for them, having only ever qualified twice in their history. The 2022 World Cup saw them exit the competition in the group stage with only one point, so they'll feel as though they've got unfinished business as far as that competition is concerned.

Under Rob Page, Wales failed to qualify for Euro 2024 in heartbreaking fashion, losing a playoff final to Poland on home soil via a penalty shootout. The heartbreak from that night was palpable, and it will no doubt serve this team as a motivator to kick on and qualify for next summer's World Cup.

A win here would be a gargantuan result for Wales, but they'll know full well that they're the firm underdogs for this one. The main aim for this side will be to secure a playoff, which they'll feel as though they're in a strong position to do. It's going to take a big effort from the Welsh to qualify for this World Cup, but they're not short of belief.

This game will be televised live to all UK viewers on BBC One.

Belgium Team News:

Belgium will be without their first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has withdrawn due to a back injury. Matz Sels is expected to deputise between the sticks. Aside from this, the Belgian squad is largely available, with key players like De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Doku expected to start. The defence will likely include Thomas Meunier, Sebastiaan Faes, and Maxim De Cuyper.

Predicted lineup: Sels; Meunier, Debast, Faes, De Cuyper; Raskin, De Bruyne, Vanaken; Saelemaekers, Lukaku, Doku

Wales Team News:

Wales may be missing Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams, who sustained an injury in their recent win over Liechtenstein. Jay Dasilva is expected to replace him at right-back. The Welsh side will probably field a 4-3-3 formation with Danny Darlow in goal, Joe Rodon and Ben Davies in central defence, and a midfield trio including Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson. Up front, Kieffer Moore will lead the line, supported by Brennan Johnson and Sorba Thomas.

Predicted lineup: Darlow; Roberts, Rodon, Davies, Dasilva; Ampadu, Wilson; Johnson, Cullen, Thomas; Moore

Belgium:

• North Macedonia 1-1 Belgium (WC Qualifying)
• Belgium 3-0 Ukraine (Nations League)
• Ukraine 3-1 Belgium (Nations League)
• Israel 1-0 Belgium (Nations League)
• Belgium 0-1 Italy (Nations League)

Belgium’s recent form has been poor. In their last five matches, they have recorded one win, one draw, and three losses across all competitions, including UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifiers. Their Nations League campaign saw some struggles, with a notable 0-1 defeat to Italy and a 3-1 defeat to Ukraine. In World Cup qualifying, they drew 1-1 with North Macedonia.

Wales:

• Wales 3-0 Liechtenstein (WC Qualifying)
• North Macedonia 1-1 Wales (WC Qualifying)
• Wales 3-1 Kazakhstan (WC Qualifying)
• Wales 4-1 Iceland (Nations League)
• Turkiye 0-0 Wales (Nations League)

Wales have been more consistent recently, especially under Craig Bellamy’s management. Their last five matches include three wins and two draws, with the unbeaten run highlighting their defensive organisation and attacking efficiency. Their 3-0 victory over Liechtenstein was a statement of intent, and they also secured a 3-1 win against Kazakhstan earlier in the campaign. The draw against North Macedonia also reflects their resilience against tough opponents.

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