Wales Aims for Victory Against Belgium in World Cup Qualifier
World Cup Qualifier: Wales vs Belgium
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium Date: Monday, 13 October Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC One Wales, BBC3 and iPlayer, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, as well as the BBC Sport website and app, including live text commentary.
Wales' World Cup qualifier against Belgium on Monday is set to be a pivotal match. Following Belgium's goalless draw with North Macedonia on Friday, Wales now controls its own destiny.
If Craig Bellamy's squad secures victories in their remaining three matches, they will top Group J and qualify automatically for next summer's tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, this is contingent on overcoming significant challenges, starting with their upcoming match against Belgium.
Despite not being the same powerhouse that finished third at the 2018 World Cup or held the top spot in world rankings three years ago, Belgium remains a formidable opponent, featuring stars like Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku.
Wales is undeterred, bolstered by the unwavering optimism of head coach Bellamy. "I believe there's always a special moment coming," he stated. "Players have been in this situation so many times over the last 10 years, especially on Cardiff nights. When we’ve managed to qualify, it’s been here. The crowd is accustomed to this environment and these moments. You just have to embrace it and enjoy it. Tomorrow night we’re home, full stadium, just enjoy every second of it."
North Macedonia currently leads the group with 12 points, followed closely by Belgium and Wales. North Macedonia has played one additional match compared to both teams. The group leader will qualify for the World Cup, while the runners-up will enter the playoffs for the remaining spots, a path Wales took to reach the 2022 World Cup for the first time in 64 years.
All three teams are eager to avoid the playoffs in March, aiming to finish on top of Group J by the end of the qualifying campaign next month. Bellamy expressed his excitement: "This is exactly the opportunity you want. But at the same time, my mindset is that it’s not all over if it doesn’t happen on Monday. We adapt and go again. I’m prepared for any outcome—win, draw, or loss. Consistency is key. From my experience in football and coaching, expect the unexpected because anything can happen."
Wales enters this match following a 3-0 friendly defeat to England on Thursday, a match that was heavily one-sided and could have resulted in a more significant loss after England scored three goals in the first 20 minutes. Bellamy selected England as an opponent to expose his players to world-class competition in preparation for the crucial match against Belgium and future tournaments.
While some Wales supporters questioned the decision, fearing it might harm the team's confidence or world ranking, Bellamy remains optimistic. "I’m a bit different, and I don’t advocate that everyone should feel the same way, but I quite like losing sometimes. It pushes me and makes me see things more clearly. I’m prepared for whatever happens, and I always am. I have to be consistent in everything I do, both on and off the pitch. The England game has given me a feeling that this team can go a lot further, which is exciting."